Jet Zero Council announces two-year plan for UK aviation decarbonisation

The Jet Zero Council has announced an action plan for the next two years to reach net zero in UK aviation by 2050.  The plan sets out how the council, which is comprised of industry, academic, and government leaders, will help to accelerate the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) by investing in first-of-a-kind SAF plants, supporting scientific research on a larger scale, and helping to drive down production costs. “This government is a determined partner to the aviation industry – helping accelerate new technology and fuels, modernise their operations, and work internationally to remove barriers to progress,” said Transport Secretary Mark Harper. “Together, we can set aviation up for success, continue harnessing its huge social and economic benefits, and ensure it remains a core part of the UK’s sustainable economic future.” The announcement comes in tandem with the publication of a new report, called ‘Developing a UK SAF industry’. The independent evaluation – commissioned by the Department for Transport in October 2022 – assesses what conditions are necessary to create a successful UK SAF industry. The report, written by Philip New, former CEO of the Energy Systems Catapult and BP Alternative Energy, sets out a number of recommendations to help stimulate SAF production in the UK. <br/>