The government has announced up to £43 million in funding for green aviation projects, aimed at supporting cleaner flight technologies and encouraging private investment across the UK aerospace sector.
The funding, announced today (20th January), will be made available to businesses, researchers and universities through a series of competitive bids launching from February. It is intended to support research and development projects that contribute to the government’s goal of achieving net zero aviation by 2050.
Ministers say the investment will help accelerate work on zero-emission aircraft, low-carbon fuels and other technologies designed to reduce the environmental impact of flying. Part of the funding may also be used to study how aircraft condensation trails, or contrails, which can contribute to global warming, could be reduced or avoided.
The announcement comes at a time when the government faces criticism over plans for expansion at Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton. The Transport Secretary is due to meet with airlines, airports, manufacturers and researchers to discuss how new technologies could decarbonise aviation while supporting growth.
Officials estimate that low-carbon aviation fuels alone could add up to £5 billion to the UK economy by 2050, with the new funding expected to unlock millions of pounds in private investment and support jobs in engineering, technology and scientific research.
The Civil Aviation Authority will also use part of the funding to develop regulatory frameworks needed for the wider use of hydrogen fuel in aviation. In addition, some investment will support the tracking and use of sustainable aviation fuels in regions such as Africa and the Caribbean, helping UK airlines compete fairly in international carbon offsetting schemes.
The Hydrogen in Aviation Alliance said: ‘The funding for green aviation projects announced today will help ensure the UK leads the future of flight. Hydrogen-powered aviation is at the heart of this ambition and is essential to decarbonising aviation while ensuring the sustainable growth of our industry.
‘We welcome the Government’s support for pioneering businesses developing zero-emission aviation technologies, alongside its commitment to enabling the Civil Aviation Authority to put in place the right regulations for the use of hydrogen fuel. These are important steps on the journey to making hydrogen-powered flight a reality and securing a competitive, sustainable future for UK aviation.’
Duncan McCourt, Chief Executive of Sustainable Aviation, said: ‘We know that aviation is one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise, and, as we continue on the road to net zero by 2050, industry action combined with government investment are required.
‘This funding will help turn ambition into operational reality across key decarbonisation pathways, helping to deliver carbon-neutral skies.’
Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said: ‘Today’s investment in zero and lower emission technology is playing an important part in delivering a sustainable future for UK aviation, a process well underway with the launch last year of the sustainable aviation fuel mandate and imminent passage of the SAF revenue certainty mechanism into law. The ongoing work of the Jet Zero Taskforce, bringing government, industry and experts together to drive progress, is a critical part of our collective efforts to ensure net zero remains a reality for our sector.’
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