A robust package of measures to turbocharge the UK’s progress towards decarbonising transport, has today (30 March) been unveiled by the Government.
The measures will support the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) as well as the production of sustainable aviation fuel in the UK – continuing the country’s transition towards net zero.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:
“Transport is one of the most important sectors for achieving net zero by 2050, and so we must accelerate our efforts to decarbonise how people get from A to B while growing our economy and supporting thousands of green jobs.
“From expanding our charging network to boosting the production of cleaner aviation fuel, today’s announcement is a great stride forwards – offering people more choice on how to stay connected while delivering the carbon reductions needed to achieve net zero.”
The Government has also unveiled its proposals for a world-leading zero emission vehicle mandate which, from next year, will set minimum annual targets for the percentage of new car and van sales that must be zero emission. The proposed mandate makes the UK’s path to zero emission vehicles the fastest in Europe.
At current rates, aviation would become one of the largest emitting sectors by 2050, which is why it’s imperative the Government takes action. The Government is therefore today opening the second application round of the £165 million Advanced Fuels Fund, which will help deliver on the commitment for the UK to have at least five commercial scale UK SAF plants in construction by 2025.
The production and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the UK is central to the Jet Zero Strategy. SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 70% whilst boosting investment, jobs and fuel security.
Aviation Minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton said:
“Today’s renewed support for sustainable aviation fuel is another step towards making Jet Zero a reality.
“Developing a UK SAF industry will not only put the country at the heart of green aviation worldwide, but also boost investment, jobs and fuel security in the UK.”
Additionally, a second consultation on the SAF mandate has been launched which sets out how the mandate will deliver carbon savings, provide incentives to SAF producers and signal to investors the vital role SAF will play in the future of UK aviation. Furthermore, we are building on the global reputation of our academic institutions by confirming that the University of Sheffield will deliver the UK Clearing House to support the testing and certification of new SAF.
