The government has confirmed a commitment to support the UK’s sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) industry.
The Department for Transport is starting a consultation on the design and delivery of a scheme to bolster the development of SAF and drive further investment.
The DfT said it was committed to introducing a “revenue certainty mechanism” to support SAF production in the UK and boost its uptake.
The scheme, which is intended to be funded by industry, will give the aviation sector the launchpad to “confidently invest” in SAF and transition away from fossil fuel reliance, the transport department said.
The green fuels initiative, along with the introduction of a SAF mandate in 2025, “will provide fuel security, grow the economy and help to create over 10,000 jobs by 2030, rising to 60,000 by 2050,” according to the DfT.
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“SAF is the most developed pathway for aviation decarbonisation and while the UK’s SAF programme is already one of the most comprehensive in the world, the government recognises the importance of providing long-term certainty for the industry.
“Developing new low or zero emission technology is key to going green and it is important the world of aviation stays ahead of the game.”
Aviation and maritime minister Baroness Vere said: “Not only will sustainable aviation fuel bring countless economic opportunities, including creating thousands of green jobs, this certainty will allow the industry to harness its full potential, bringing us closer to net zero flying.
“This commitment is an important step to create cleaner and greener aviation in the UK and will cement our position as a global leader in innovation, creating a new talented workforce that champions decarbonisation and pave the way for future air travel.”
Chair of the Jet Zero Council SAF delivery group, Jonathon Counsell, said: “Industry is ready to take part in the consultation process to determine the right mechanism to secure the investment needed to create a UK SAF industry.
“The Jet Zero SAF delivery group will work with government to move forward quickly with the consultation.
“We will work with the government to be able to implement measures at the earliest opportunity so that we can hit the target of five UK SAF plants in construction by 2025.”
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