The UK government is all set to decarbonize the nation’s aviation sector. And, to achieve this long-term goal by 2050, it has unveiled a new two-year strategy.
It comprises a course of action to speed up the development and implementation of SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) over the next couple of years. The strategy was disclosed on Monday, April 17 at the Sustainable Skies World Summit at Farnborough Airport,
Mandating the use of SAF is one of the actions to be achieved by 2025. Towards this approach, the first transatlantic flight will use only SAF later this year. Further, measures will be taken to achieve “price stability” to promote investment in fuel.
The government, however, was urged to take “urgent action” by the industry group Sustainable Aviation. This push aimed to ensure it stays on top of the global leader in low-carbon aviation.
Mark Harper, the UK’s transport secretary, declared: “This government is a dedicated partner to the aviation industry, helping accelerate new technology and fuels, modernise their operations, and work globally to eliminate barriers to progress. Together, we can set aviation up for success, continue harnessing its enormous social and economic benefits, and ensure it remains a core part of the UK’s sustainable economic future,” said Mark Harper, the UK’s transport secretary.
This work forms a part of the Jet Zero decarbonization strategy by the UK. A council of government and industry representatives lead this strategy.
“The two-year plan published today will ensure we continue to accelerate progress and achieve the Jet Zero Council’s objectives of delivering 10% SAF in the UK fuel mix by 2030 and zero emission transatlantic flight within a generation,” said Jet Zero Council’s CEO, Emma Gilthorpe.
Sustainable Aviation comprises aircraft manufacturers, airlines, airports, and industry bodies. It mentioned that the UK is among the top contenders for becoming “home to low carbon aviation industry.”
But a lack of government support would turn this opportunity into a risk. It urged for an industry-funded price support mechanism for SAF to encourage private players for funding.
Sustainable Aviation stated, “Today more than ever, the UK is competing in a global race to capture private investment that will drive the development of the technologies to power net zero and create the jobs of the future.”
Across the world, the EU and the US are taking steps towards the same goal. In the EU, billions of euros are distributed as carbon allowances to subsidise the higher SAF cost. On the other hand, the Inflation Reduction Act in the US includes incentives worth hundreds of billions of dollars for low-carbon technologies, including SAF and hydrogen production.
Now, the Sustainable Aviation group is urging the UK government to invest in commercial SAF production at scale within the next ten years. This will help the sector operate more efficiently.
Additionally, the group also wants the government to increase funding for new hydrogen-fueled, zero-carbon emission aircraft and to speed up carbon removal initiatives rollout.
Moreover, the high costs of decarbonization approaches like SAF would cause a reduction in passenger demand. Even with slightly higher expenses, people would still want to fly, with the total passenger number projected to increase by around 250 million by 2050, according to the modelling.