It’s the GREEN Arrows! RAF announces plans for fighter jets and helicopters to be part-powered by biofuels made from wood, algae and household waste in drive to cut emissions
- MOD chiefs hope to part-power jets and helicopters with green fuels by 2050
- Alternative fuel sources include fats, wood waste, alcohols, sugars and algae
- MOD bosses hope other NATO allies and commercial aviation will follow suit
British fighter jets and helicopters could be flying into action part-powered by wood, algae and household waste within 30 years, under new emission cutting plans.
Aircraft including F-35s, Typhoons and Wildcat helicopters could use up to 50 per cent sustainable fuel sources by 2050, Ministry of Defence (MOD) chiefs hope.
Hydrogenated fats and oils, wood waste, alcohols, sugars, household waste, biomass and algae could all be used.
It is hoped the bio-fuels will cut CO2 emissions by up to a fifth when substituting 30 per cent of conventional fuel in a jet travelling 1,000 nautical miles – roughly the distance from London to southern Italy.
The fuel plan is part of the MOD’s strategy to reduce its carbon and greenhouse gas emissions.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: ‘The UK is leading the way in sustainability and by refining our aviation fuel standards we are taking simple yet effective steps to reduce the environmental footprint of defence.
Aircraft including F-35s (pictured), Typhoons and Wildcat helicopters could use up to 50 per cent sustainable sources in the future, Ministry of Defence (MOD) chiefs hope
The plan is part of the MOD’s strategy to reduce its contributions to carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. Pictured: A Wildcat helicopter
‘As we strive to meet this Government’s Net Zero carbon emissions target by 2050, it is right that we step up to spearhead these positive changes across both military and civilian sectors.’
The move comes after MOD’s changed aviation fuel standards came into effect in November 2020.
MOD bosses hope the standards will lead to a significant reduction in emissions and improve defence’s carbon footprint.
Currently aviation accounts for nearly two thirds of fuel used across defence.
MOD chiefs hope the move will prompt other nations, including Australia and several NATO allies, to follow suit.
They also hope it will lead to a push for greener fuel within the commercial aviation sector.
Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps: ‘Making all forms of transport more sustainable is critical if we are to meet our ambitious Net Zero target.
‘From powering RAF Jets to the passenger planes which get us from A to B, sustainable fuels will play a huge part in decarbonising aviation and I’m excited to explore the possibilities as we make transport cleaner, greener and more efficient.’
The cleaner fuel drive is one of the measures being discussed in the department’s ongoing Climate Change and Sustainability Review, led by Lt Gen Richard Nugee.
Sustainable fuel sources including hydrogenated fats and oils, wood waste, alcohols, sugars, household waste, biomass and algae could be used
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said ‘the UK is leading the way in sustainability’
The review will focus on a range of initiatives from the MOD’s NZ50 strategy to setting the right baseline for defence’s emissions and carbon footprint.
Findings are set to be published in early 2021.
Lieutenant General Richard Wardlaw OBE, Chief Defence Logistics and Support said: ‘The Defence Strategic Fuels Authority has been working tirelessly with industry partners to change the Defence Standard for Aviation Fuel, allowing SAF deliveries to the MOD.
‘This is a significant change for Defence, enabling us to take a key step towards reducing our CO2 footprint, consistent with our wider ambition for achieving NZ50. And this is only the beginning.
‘With the Defence Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy, due for release later this year, we are at the start of a journey to adopt a range of greener policies and new greener technologies, so that we can reduce our environmental impact while enhancing our operational capabilities.’