Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Deferred
Support exists for Government's aim to achieve net zero in UK airport operations.
Conclusion
We support the Government’s aim to secure net zero in UK airport operations by
Government Response Summary
The government agrees but focuses on enhancing the UK Emissions Trading Scheme for aviation, including phasing out free allocation by 2026. It will also develop and consult on proposals for how the UK ETS should treat Sustainable Aviation Fuel use, exploring alternatives to SAF being zero-rated in the future.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The Government agrees with this recommendation. We are committed to enhancing the effectiveness of the UK ETS for aviation; and we will take forward the commitments in the Developing the UK ETS government response, which was published on 3 July 2023. The decision to phase-out aviation free allocation by 2026 is implemented by not extending existing free allocation arrangements for the aviation sector into the UK ETS’s 2026–2030 allocation period. Furthermore, during the current phase-out period there is a cap on the maximum amount of free allocation aircraft operators are eligible to receive per year. Regarding SAF, we will continue to develop proposals on how the UK ETS should treat the use of SAF by aircraft operators and will consult on these in due course. While SAF will continue to be zero rated under the UK ETS in the short-term, the UK ETS Authority will continue to explore alternative options to SAF being zero rated in the future. Proposals will take into account other SAF policy and incentives, as well Government’s wider objectives to support the development and use of SAF in the UK as set out in the Jet Zero Strategy.