The UK government is to introduce a new mandate on the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), as part of its Jet Zero Strategy to achieve “net zero” emissions from flights by 2050.
The strategy, which was unveiled at the Farnborough International Airshow on Tuesday (19 July), will require that at least 10 per cent of jet fuel must be produced from sustainable sources by 2030.
As another part of the Jet Zero plan, the government wants to have at least five “commercial scale” SAF plants under construction in the UK by 2025. Companies running SAF projects will also be able to apply for support from the £165 million Advanced Fuels Fund.
The government is also committing UK domestic aviation to achieve net zero emissions by 2040 and all airports in England to be zero-emission by the same year.
The strategy also includes a plan for the aviation industry to stay at below pre-Covid levels of emissions through a range of measures, including “system efficiencies” and new technologies.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “We want 2019 to be remembered as the peak year for aviation emissions. From now on, it should all be downhill for carbon emissions – and steadily uphill for green flights.
“The UK is setting an example of the ambition needed to tackle climate change, and the Jet Zero Strategy provides a clear path to building a greener aviation sector for generations to come.
“Rather than clipping the sector’s wings, our pathway recognises that decarbonisation offers huge economic benefits, creating the jobs and industries of the future making sure UK businesses are at the forefront of this green revolution.”
The Jet Zero Strategy features six priority areas: improving the efficiency of the existing aviation system; increasing support for SAF by creating and growing demand; supporting the development of zero-emission aircraft; developing carbon markets and greenhouse gas removal technology; providing consumers with better information to make sustainable travel decisions; and increasing understanding of non-CO2 impacts of aviation.
The new strategy has been developed following the work of the Jet Zero Council that brings together ministers, industry leaders and academics to discuss how to cut emissions from aviation.
Emma Gilthorpe, CEO of the Jet Zero Council, said: “This is a key milestone on the path to decarbonising aviation, setting the framework for the Jet Zero Council to continue its great progress on sustainable aviation fuels and zero emission flight, and providing key policies to get us there, including a SAF mandate.”
Charlie Cornish, CEO of Manchester Airport Group, added: “We are proud to play a leading role in the Jet Zero Council, which brings together government and industry to share ideas and innovation to ensure we make this strategy a reality.”
The government is also running a challenge to the aviation industry to deliver the first transatlantic flight running entirely on SAF in 2023. Companies can now bid for up to £1 million in funding for this pioneering flight with the winner set to be announced later this year.