Essar Energy Transition (EET) is advancing plans for a methanol-to-jet (MtJ) sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility at the Stanlow refinery complex in the United Kingdom. The company intends to commence front-end engineering design (FEED) later this year and expects to take a final investment decision by the end of 2026. The development was described as central to EET's UK transition strategy.

The proposed facility is designed to produce over 200,000 tonnes of SAF annually and to utilise nearly 550,000 tonnes (t) of renewable e-methanol and bio-methanol feedstock each year. The MtJ unit will be integrated within existing refinery infrastructure to leverage blending, logistics and offtake systems, which the company said will help reduce project risk and execution complexity. By aligning the design with Stanlow operations, EET intends to enable large-scale SAF production while controlling costs.

EET plans to participate in the UK’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Revenue Certainty Mechanism to improve investment visibility for long-term SAF projects. The project aligns with the UK mandate that requires 22 per cent of jet fuel supply to come from sustainable aviation fuels by 2040. Company executives indicated that participation in the mechanism would support commercial viability and accelerate deployment timelines.

The Stanlow methanol-to-jet project forms part of EET’s broader energy transition investment programme in north-west England, under which the company plans to invest over three billion (bn) dollars in low-carbon projects over the next five years. The investment strategy was presented as intended to combine feedstock sourcing, conversion technologies and existing site assets to deliver scalable emissions reductions for aviation. The company scheduled FEED work to start later this year and signalled a final investment decision target for the end of 2026.