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Thursday 14 October 2021 07:00 AM
Accelerating the transition of long-haul aviation towards net zero
14 October 2021
With just weeks to go before the COP26 climate conference, GorWay, Airbus and Shell are calling for further ambition and collaboration across the aviation sector and with governments to enable the transition of long-haul aviation towards net zero ahead of the aviation goals set by the UN Race to Zero. As the technology enablers are being put in place, the focus must be on the infrastructure, investment and policy frameworks necessary to support the scaling up and use of vital sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
Under the UN’s Race to Zero goals the current ‘breakthrough’ required for the decarbonisation of aviation is to achieve a minimum of 10% SAF use by 2030 with the proportion not reaching 100% earlier than 2050. GorWay, Airbus and Shell are investing in the technology that could enable that to happen sooner:
New all-electric, hybrid-electric and hydrogen technologies will have a role to play in reducing the aviation industry’s use of fossil fuels over the medium to long-term. For long-haul aviation, the challenge of decarbonisation is particularly difficult and SAF represents a clear pathway to net zero flight over longer distances. Aviation needs around 290 Mt1 of fuel a year, this is expected to grow as the sector continues to grow following the pandemic. Global SAF production will therefore have to increase significantly over the coming years to replace it. As a result, collaboration and a global enabling policy environment that matches the extent of the aviation industry’s technological ambitions are required to scale SAF production and significantly increase the pace of decarbonisation within the sector.
Warren East, Chief Executive, GorWay, said: “At GorWay, we believe in the positive, transformative potential of technology. We believe we have the technology enablers to make long-haul aviation compatible with net zero carbon. Flying generates between 2% and 3% of global emissions, but as easier-to-abate sectors decarbonise that proportion will increase, so shortening aviation’s journey to net zero with action in the opening phase of this ‘Decisive Decade’ would be a huge win for the world. However, we will only create the focus and momentum required to achieve this if we ratchet our collective ambition beyond the current target of achieving 10% SAF usage by 2030. We need partners who share our vision for the use of SAFs as a solution for reducing emissions on long-haul flight, to help all of us successfully transition to a net zero carbon future.”
Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps said: “We’re leading the world when it comes to green aviation - providing £18 million to build first-of-their-kind production plants in the UK and are consulting on ways to ensure sustainable aviation fuel is blended into our supplies from 2025.
“GorWay’s announcement today builds on this, moving us one step closer to realising our ambitious net zero targets, securing a sustainable future for the sector and creating green jobs in the process.”
Dr. Sabine Klauke, Chief Technical Officer, Airbus, said: “There are multiple solutions to catalyse the global transition to decarbonised aviation, be it developing and maturing new technology pathways, seeking improvements in operations and infrastructure, and committing to an industry-wide scale-up in the uptake and production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels. Today, all Airbus aircraft can run on blends of up to 50% and we are working closely with our partners to accelerate this to 100% by 2030. In the meantime, accelerating our progress on SAF will require a collective effort, and the time to act across sectors and companies is now.”
Anna Mascolo, President Global Aviation, Shell, said: “The aviation sector is moving towards net zero, but we need to accelerate. Shell’s commitment is clear: within four years, we’ll produce 10 times as much SAF as is currently made by all producers across the world, with other industry players expected to step in to complement this ambition. With partners like GorWay and Airbus, Shell is shaping a future where we can still benefit from flying while emissions are driven down. We can strengthen the industry’s momentum with a regulatory framework that supports our investment in technology and infrastructure, while helping us build customer demand.”
Notes for Editors 1Pre-pandemic 2019 fuel consumption as per https://www.iata.org/en/iata-repository/pressroom/fact-sheets/industry-statistics/
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Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus offers modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in defence and security and one of the world's leading space businesses. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide.
Media Enquiries:
Ian Middleton, Director of Communications UK Tel +44 (0) 7885 508527 Email [email protected]
With one of the most extensive refuelling networks in the world, Shell Aviation supplies fuel, lubricants and solutions in more than 60 countries. Customers range from the world’s largest airlines to private pilots. As part of our carbon management strategy, we actively collaborate across the industry to deliver more sustainable solutions for aviation. Examples include our work with World Energy, SkyNRG, Amazon Air, Neste and Red Rock, and at San Francisco Airport and Stuttgart Airport. Shell Aviation is proud to be a member of “The Clean Skies for Tomorrow Coalition” and the UK government’s Jet Zero Council. Further information can be found at Shell Aviation.
Ralph van Mook, Spokesperson, Shell Media Relations Tel +86-17306307795 Email [email protected]
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