How much do you know about the UK's sustainable aviation fuel industry?

Questions and Answers

What is the "Jet Zero" target set by the UK government for the airline industry?

The "Jet Zero" target set by the UK government for the airline industry is to eliminate net carbon emissions by 2050.

Which airports and airlines have written to the new transport secretary calling for more state intervention to create a sustainable aviation fuel industry?

Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester Airports Group, Virgin Atlantic, and British Airways have written to the new transport secretary calling for more state intervention.

What are "contracts for difference" (CFDs) and why do leading airports and airlines want the government to create them for SAF?

"Contracts for difference" (CFDs) are agreements that set a fixed price for SAF. Leading airports and airlines want the government to create them to encourage investors to invest in the fledgling industry.

What is the UK government doing to create demand for SAF and how is it helping investors?

<p>The UK government is mandating that 10% of jet fuel comes from SAF by 2030 to create demand. This is helping investors by providing them with reassurance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some concerns about producing aviation fuel from crops?

<p>Some concerns about producing aviation fuel from crops include the impact on food security, deforestation, and the use of unsustainable farming practices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Leading airlines and airports in the UK warn that the country will struggle to create a sustainable aviation fuel industry without regular subsidies from the government.
The government has set a 2050 "Jet Zero" target for the airline industry to eliminate net carbon emissions, mainly through the use of green fuel produced by household waste such as cooking oil, known as "SAF".
The government has promised £165mn as seed capital to encourage manufacturers to open at least five plants producing the new fuel and hopes they will be under construction by 2025.
Leading airports and airlines, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester Airports Group, Virgin Atlantic, and British Airways have written to the new transport secretary, calling for more state intervention to get the fledgling industry off the ground.
They want the government to create "contracts for difference" (CFDs) to agree a set price for SAF, similar to those the state has used to underwrite nuclear and offshore wind projects.
Without regular subsidies, investors will go elsewhere, and airlines will end up importing sustainable fuel from the EU or US.
Aviation accounts for about 2% of global CO2 emissions, and the International Air Transport Association's net zero 2050 target relies heavily on changing fuel mixes to achieve most of its planned reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Other countries, including Indonesia, have sought to produce aviation fuel from crops such as palm oil or soybean oil, prompting concern from environmentalists.
The UK government already has a SAF program, which is one of the most comprehensive in the world, and has invested in eight SAF plants.
The government is creating demand by mandating that 10% of jet fuel comes from SAF by 2030, providing investors with reassurance while helping to deliver the ambition of having five commercial SAF plants under construction in the UK by 2025.