Planes could use fuel made from RUBBISH within two decades as firms get £22million to turn landfill into power for aircraft
The Department for Transport research found it could cut carbon emissions by 90 per cent
BRITS could be flying on planes using fuels made from rubbish within two decades under plans unveiled by the Government today.
Firms are to be given £22million of taxpayers’ money to develop waste-based fuels for planes and lorries.
Research by the Department for Transport show that aircraft and lorries powered by landfill could use 90 per cent less carbon than traditional fossil fuels.
Ministers hope to emulate trials of sustainable jet fuel made from waste materials in North America and Europe.
The Government hopes the move will help it reach its target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050 - as well as reducing the need for landfill sites.
It follows grants to encourage the take-up of ultra-low emission electric vehicles, and plans to ban all new petrol and diesel cars by 2040.
Around 70 groups have expressed an interest in bidding for the DfT funding.
Transport minister Jesse Norman said: “We are committed to cutting carbon emissions and promoting new environmentally friendly fuels that will help us meet that goal.
“We are making funding available to innovative businesses which will lead the way in developing alternative fuels that are efficient, sustainable and clean.
“We want every new car and van in the UK to be zero emission by 2040, but we know lorries and aeroplanes will rely on more traditional fuels for years to come so we must promote environmentally friendly alternatives.”
It is hoped the Government funding will help develop five new low-carbon fuel plants by 2021.
The money is available to projects producing low-carbon waste-based fuels to be used in planes and lorries where it is not currently viable to switch to electric power because the vehicles are too heavy.
Aviation consultant John Strickland said the announcement was a positive step for airlines.
He said: “Airlines are always looking to improve their environmental credentials and improve fuel efficiency.
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“This move will be welcomed but widespread adoption would still be some way off in the future.”
The DfT claims low-carbon transport fuels made from waste materials could be worth £600 million to the British economy by 2030 and support up to 9,800 new jobs.