Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Third Report - Net zero and the UK aviation sector
Environmental Audit Committee
HC 404
Published 21 December 2023
Recommendations
16
Accepted in Part
Para 112
Establish clear criteria for land allocation to grow SAF feedstocks in Land Use Strategy.
Recommendation
We note with approval the Government’s criteria restricting the feedstocks to be used in UK-manufactured SAF and specifying that feedstocks are not to be obtained from land with high biodiversity value or land with high carbon stocks. We recommend that …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, stating that strict sustainability criteria in the forthcoming SAF mandate will ensure emissions savings and protect against land use change. It also confirms it takes every opportunity in international forums to press for high sustainability standards in SAF production.
21
Accepted in Part
Para 143
Establish a 2040 target for zero-emission aircraft on essential UK connectivity routes.
Recommendation
While zero-emission flight technologies offer a route to significant reductions in aviation’s CO2 emissions, their deployment is realistically likely to be limited to short-haul flights for the foreseeable future. ZEF can play a significant role in Net zero and the …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, having an aspiration for zero-emission routes by 2030 and a target for UK domestic aviation to reach net zero by 2040, but not a specific target for the full roll-out of zero-emission aircraft on a minimum number of essential routes by 2040. It also funds ZEF technology development.
35
Accepted in Part
Para 201
Undertake initial review of Jet Zero Strategy modelling by end of 2025 for emissions targets.
Recommendation
We recommend that an initial review of the Jet Zero Strategy and the modelling underlying its ‘high ambition’ scenario be undertaken no later than the end of 2025, with a view to determining whether the Strategy remains on track to …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government notes the recommendation, stating they will monitor progress annually from 2025 but reaffirming the first major review of the Strategy and delivery plan will be in 2027, rather than by the end of 2025. They also plan to produce a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework.
Conclusions (1)
34
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Para 200
Ministers have committed to five-yearly reviews of progress against the Jet Zero Strategy’s targets, and have undertaken to take action to amend policy if it appears to be necessary. On the current timetable the first such review is to take place in 2027. This appears to us to be a …
Government Response Summary
The government notes the concern about the review timetable, stating they will monitor progress annually from 2025, with the first major review of the Jet Zero Strategy remaining in 2027. They also plan to produce a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework.