Hemp Can Fuel Planes — So Why Aren’t We Using It?
The UK government's proposal to introduce a price guarantee for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a step forward, but it raises a big question: why aren't we leveraging industrial hemp as a leading feedstock for SAF?
Industrial hemp offers incredible benefits.
- It's carbon-negative, highly sustainable, and capable of producing significant biomass with minimal environmental impact.
- It can sequester up to 15 tonnes of CO₂ per hectare annually, requires less water and pesticides, and supports soil health and biodiversity.
In a world where the aviation sector needs scalable and sustainable solutions, hemp could be a game-changer!
The proposed Revenue Certainty Mechanism (RCM) (funded by oil companies) is a pragmatic move. It reflects the complex reality that oil companies have a statutory duty to their shareholders — including millions of pensioners — to ensure sustainable profitability. Balancing immediate financial pressures with long-term sustainability is no easy task, and the aviation industry's transition to SAF is a shared responsibility.
But here's the catch.
Current SAF production is overwhelmingly reliant on imported feedstocks like used cooking oil from China. This approach is neither scalable nor resilient, especially as other nations tighten their own green fuel mandates. Hemp, by contrast, can be grown and processed locally, creating resilient supply chains and green jobs while reducing transportation emissions.
We need to be bolder.
By investing in the infrastructure to scale industrial hemp production and processing in the UK, we can achieve genuine energy security and meet our net zero goals more effectively. This isn't just about creating greener fuels — it's about building a more sustainable, prosperous future.
You can read more about the government price guarantee here: https://lnkd.in/eSxaZPDG
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