Jet Zero Council releases two-year plan to accelerate progress
Ministers and aviation chiefs making up the Jet Zero Council have revealed an action plan for the next two years as part of its Jet Zero by 2050 plans.
The two-year plan is designed to accelerate progress on the longer-term commitment to speed up the design, manufacture and roll-out of zero emission aircraft and infrastructure at UK airports.
The UK Government aims to decarbonise aviation faster than any other G7 country with the plan setting out how the Council will help to accelerate the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) by investing millions of pounds in SAF plants, supporting scientific research on a larger scale, and helping to drive down production costs.
Emma Gilthorpe, Jet Zero Council CEO, said, “The Two-Year Plan published today, building on recent government commitments to secure demand for SAF in the UK, 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.”
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Grant Shapps said, “Boosting investment in sustainable aviation fuels is at the heart of these plans, marking a landmark step in spearheading the technologies that will keep passengers flying guilt-free.”
Business and Trade Minister Nusrat Ghani added, “There is no time to waste in creating a sustainable, decarbonised aviation sector fit for the future. By working in partnership with industry, we are determined to accelerate the development of innovative zero emission technology and secure the long-term success of our vital UK manufacturing sector and its global exports.”
The Jet Zero Council announcement coincided with the release of the Government’s response to the Department for Transport commissioned independent review by Philip New, Developing a UK SAF industry, which set out a number of recommendations to help stimulate SAF production in the UK.
In its response, the Government detailed the work underway to meet many of the recommendations, whilst highlighting what additional action could be taken to drive further investment in UK SAF production. It also highlighted its £165 million Advanced Fuel Fund, with five projects already chosen to receive funding to kickstart production.
The Government says it “recognises that many investors are looking for longer-term revenue certainty that the SAF mandate will not provide” and is looking at “options for additional revenue certainty for a UK SAF industry.”