Jet Zero strategy: our approach for achieving net zero aviation by 2050
Explains new strategy to reduce aviation emissions, decarbonise the sector and allow people to keep flying.
Today (19 July 2022) I am launching the Jet Zero strategy – setting out this government’s approach for achieving net zero aviation by 2050.
It builds on the government’s Net Zero strategy, as well as the Transport decarbonisation plan, which outlines the commitments and actions needed to decarbonise the entire transport system.
The Jet Zero strategy sets a trajectory for the sector to reach net zero by 2050 – or Jet Zero as we define it. Its delivery will see UK aviation emissions reduce even further than the levels called for by our climate advisors – with a pathway that should see emissions never again reach the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.
To deliver this outcome, alongside our Jet Zero target we aim for domestic aviation and airports to be net zero and zero-emission respectively by 2040.
It is a strategy that will both decarbonise the sector and allow people to keep flying. Pre-pandemic, aviation contributed at least £22 billion to our economy and 230,000 direct jobs across the country. It is crucial that we support the rapid development of technologies that maintain the benefits of air travel whilst maximising the opportunities that decarbonisation brings to the UK.
Those opportunities include the domestic production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), which could support up to 5,200 jobs by 2035 and help regenerate industrial sites across the country, notably in areas outside London, such as the north-east, contributing to levelling up the UK and improving our fuel security.
We have today set out a new commitment of having at least 5 commercial SAF plants under construction by 2025, and we have also confirmed that the government will mandate at least 10% SAF to be blended into conventional aviation fuels by the end of the decade – one of the most ambitious targets globally.
Bolstering that effort means investing in pioneering projects. This is why today we are also launching the Advanced Fuels Fund with a £165 million competition, building on previous funding, such as the £15 million Green Fuels, Green Skies competition, to stimulate the start-up of commercial SAF production facilities in the UK. Alongside this, we have also announced that we are progressing to the next phase of our £1 million competition to deliver the first ever net zero transatlantic flight powered by 100% SAF.
The goal of reaching net zero aviation emissions by 2050 sets a clear objective, but meeting our ambition requires us to drive forward the multiple solutions necessary for its delivery. Therefore, our approach to implementing this strategy is founded on 3 key principles:
International leadership: this strategy restates our commitment to taking a leading role in tackling international aviation emissions through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Delivered in partnership: the government will need to work collaboratively with all partners, from the aviation industry to the public, through our pioneering Jet Zero Council, as well as other initiatives.
Maximising opportunities: the Jet Zero transition presents unique opportunities to create new jobs, industries and technologies across the entire UK sector, decarbonise air travel and level up the economy.
These principles will influence our activity to make sure we pursue the right options and will guide our progress on 6 clear policy measures launched in the strategy today.
We intend to improve the efficiency of our existing aviation system, from aircraft to airports and airspace. For example, we will improve fuel efficiency by 2% every year, providing a further £3.7 million in 2022 to 2023 to support airports to modernise their airspace.
There will be increased support for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), by creating secure and growing UK SAF demand through a SAF mandate that will require at least 10% of jet fuel to be made from sustainable sources by 2030.
This strategy outlines our ambition to expedite the development of zero-emission aircraft, with the aspiration of having zero-emission routes connecting places across the UK by 2030.
We will invest in greenhouse gas removal technologies to drive decarbonisation and offset any residual emissions, and enhance the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS).
And lastly, we will increase our understanding of the non-CO2 impacts of aviation, the effects of which remain uncertain.
As we act in each of these areas, we will give ourselves the headroom to evolve. The government is committed to reviewing the strategy every 5 years, and if necessary, adapting our approach based on the progress we make.
The UK is setting an example of the ambition needed to tackle climate change, and the launch of today’s plan provides a clear path to building a sustainable aviation sector for generations to come.
The Jet Zero strategy will future-proof the aviation industry, securing the economic benefits of new green jobs and industries, and delivering the technologies and fuels that will keep passengers flying in a decarbonised world.