Sustainable fuel could cut aviation emissions by 24% by 2050

Using sustainable aviation fuels could cut the industry’s emissions by almost a quarter in the UK by 2050, whilst also generating economic value and creating jobs, according to a new report.

The road-map, published by Sustainable Aviation, a coalition of the UK’s airlines, airports, manufacturers and air navigation service provider, sets out the opportunities the UK could receive if it supported and invested in sustainable aviation fuel. The paper forecasts the potential volumes of sustainable aviation fuel to 2050, both for the UK and globally.

By 2030, the report forecasts that there could be up to 90-160 operational sustainable fuel plants globally, with revenue estimated at £8-17 billion, and up to 12 in the UK. Sustainable aviation fuel could cut emissions and the industry’s contribution to climate change, helping the UK, and the rest of the world, achieve global warming targets.

Jonathon Counsell, chair of Sustainable Aviation, said, “The UK aviation industry is committed to reducing its impact on the environment and this road-map not only demonstrates an additional way for us to do so but also identifies a new industry that could supply thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of pounds to our economy.”

With the right policy and investment framework, Sustainable Aviation estimates that the UK can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 24% by 2050 through the deployment of sustainable alternative fuels. Additionally, the organisation states that this could generate £265 million in economic value whilst creating 4,400 jobs across the country.

Counsel added, ”Sustainable aviation fuels have the potential to play an important role in achieving the UK’s ambition to reduce carbon emissions from transport, contributing to EU 2030 climate change policy goals and the global aviation target to halve net carbon emissions by 2050.

“The UK should seize leadership in global aerospace and aviation and maintain this country’s competitive advantage to boost investment in science, deliver increased jobs for the UK and produce significant emissions reduction.”

Photo: Aero Icarus via Flickr  

Further reading:

Sustainable transport: to fly, or not to fly?

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