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COPENHAGEN: Denmark’s government has set an ambitious target of making all Danish domestic flights fossil fuel-free by 2030, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced.
In her New Year’s address, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she wants to “make flying green”. However, she acknowledged that the solutions to reach her target were not yet in place.
“Will it be difficult? Yes. Can it be done? Yes, I think so. We’re already on it. Talented researchers and businesses are working on solutions,” Frederiksen said. Denmark is aiming for a 70% cut in overall emissions by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.
“If we succeed, it will be a green breakthrough. Not just for Denmark, but the whole world. If there’s anything we have learned in recent years when it comes to handling big crises, it’s that we must never hesitate,” she said.
Frederiksen provided no details about how the lofty goal would be accomplished but did say her government was open to the introduction of a tax on carbon dioxide gas emissions, after having previously been opposed.
The European manufacturer Airbus has announced plans to develop hydrogen-fuelled planes that could be operational by 2035. If the hydrogen used to fuel them is generated using renewable energy, this could be a way for Denmark to reach its goals.
However it is unclear if the technology will be ready, and costs sufficiently low, for the 2030 target to be reached. Sweden has also announced plans to make its domestic flights fossil fuel free by 2030. It is also hoping to make international flights green by 2045.
The aviation industry is one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases, and airlines are developing new and cleaner technologies, including those that reduce fuel use and emissions.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents 290 airlines accounting for 83 percent of global air traffic, in October made a pledge of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
