Research and analysis

Cost analysis of greenhouse gas removals for aviation

A cost analysis of potential measures to reduce emissions in sectors outside aviation, which could be used to help address the aviation sector’s net emissions.

Documents

Marginal abatement cost analysis for out of sector abatement in the aviation sector

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Greenhouse gas removals assumptions log

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Details

This cost analysis aims to summarise and compile existing knowledge of the technologies in other sectors which could be used to help address net aviation emissions.

Focus areas include: 

  • nature-based measures for greenhouse gas removals 
  • likely costs, relative to other methods of decarbonising aviation 
  • current evidence gaps 

The report makes some conclusions on the relative cost-effectiveness of nature-based removals and engineered measures (like direct air carbon capture).  

The report notes that cost analysis of these technologies depends on some unpredictable factors including: 

  • future land prices 
  • actions other sectors may take to mitigate residual emissions  
  • the pace at which engineered removals technologies mature  

It also identifies how future research could improve our evidence base and increase confidence in greenhouse gas removal (GGR) policy decisions.

The report was commissioned and funded by the Department for Transport, but the opinions expressed within the report are solely those of the authors.

Updates to this page

Published 16 December 2025

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