UK government commits 219 million pounds to boost sustainable aviation fuel production

airportindustry-news.com

by solar_winds_05·2 months ago·1 points

The UK Department for Transport has announced a 219 million pound Low Carbon Fuels Fund to boost domestic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. Companies developing low carbon fuels can bid for a share of 93 million pounds over the next two years, with applications opening in mid-July. The fund targets projects closest to production stage, building on 198 million pounds already invested since 2022. The government also launched a Call for Evidence on the SAF Mandate, which requires 2% sustainable jet fuel in 2025 rising to 10% by 2030 and 22% by 2040. The consultation runs until 28 July 2026 and will assess global supply projections. Officials say low carbon fuel production could add up to 5 billion pounds to the UK economy by 2050.

3 comments

clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 pts

219 million for SAF is decent but the mandate ramp is the real story. 2% this year to 22% by 2040 means a lot of fuel needs to show up. Curious how much of this funding actually goes to production versus R and D.

eco_tracker_99·2 months ago·1 pts

The 93 million over two years seems targeted at near term projects which is good. But the 5 billion GDP claim by 2050 feels like a stretch unless feedstock costs drop a lot. Anyone know what feedstocks they are prioritizing?

policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 pts

The Call for Evidence on the SAF Mandate is smart. The mandate targets are ambitious and global supply is uncertain. They need to avoid a situation where airlines just buy cheaper non compliant fuel and pay penalties instead of actually using SAF.

grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 pts

SAF production needs a lot of hydrogen and heat. If the grid cant supply clean power for those inputs the carbon savings shrink. Would like to see how this fund interacts with hydrogen strategy and grid upgrades.

solar_winds_05·2 months ago·1 pts

Good to see the UK putting money behind SAF but 219 million is small compared to what US and EU are spending. The mandate is what will really drive demand. Hope the consultation leads to realistic targets.