IDRIC
  • About
    • Overview
      • Background to IDRIC
    • 2 Years of Impact
    • People
      • Centre Team
      • Research Co-Directors
      • Academic Cluster Leads
      • Independent Advisory Board
      • IDRIC Stakeholder Group
    • IDRIC 2023 Conference
    • Early Career Research Academy
  • Research Projects
  • Stakeholders
    • Industrial Clusters
    • Partners
  • Impact
    • Overview
    • Research & Innovation
    • Policy Hub
    • Equality Diversity & Inclusion
      • Video Showcase
    • Skills
    • Future Workforce
  • News
  • Events
  • Knowledge Hub
  • Funding
    • Overview
    • Flexible Funding
    • Impact Accelerator Funding
    • Secondment Funding
    • Funding News
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

Meeting the scale of the climate emergency for the aviation industry

June 26, 2023

This month, Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer, Director of the UK Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC) and Deputy Principal (Global Sustainability) at Heriot-Watt University chaired key discussions on Sustainability in Commercial Aviation and Airport Management. You can find out more about it below:

 

 

International experts and stakeholders held a high-level workshop on ‘Sustainability in Commercial Aviation and Airport Management’ this month at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus.

The event was coordinated by Heriot-Watt University, the Consulate General of Spain in Edinburgh and the Embassy of Spain in London and with the support of the Cervantes Chair at Edinburgh University, one whose main lines of action will be science and technology.

The workshop subject could not be more pertinent in today’s world. Aviation is one of the hardest sectors to transition to net-zero, accounting for about 2.5% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions*, and moreover, one of the fastest growing sectors in terms of emissions.

The experts explored the complexities and potential opportunities for sustainable multi modal transport, with a particular focus on the role of airports as strategic multi-modal transport zero-carbon hubs, hydrogen applications in airports, and Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs).

Spain and the United Kingdom share an interest on transport and sustainable tourism and are equally committed to the energy transition process. Both countries have a huge potential on renewable energies and look at hydrogen as one of the possible alternatives to hydrocarbons, particularly in the field of transport and transport-related activities.

High-level representatives from civil aviation and airport authorities to airlines and research institutes participated in the event, including Edinburgh Airport, Alicante Airport, Scottish Government, Jet2, Easyjet, AENA, and University of Alicante, as well as the hosts Heriot-Watt University, Consulate General of Spain in Edinburgh and Embassy of Spain.

A report of the discussions will be published in the coming days to engage further business and policy makers all over the world for rapidly advancing solutions that can significantly alter the face of the air travel and highlight opportunities for key investments in infrastructure to reach net zero targets.

Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer, Director of the UK Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC) and Deputy Principal (Global Sustainability) at Heriot-Watt University, who chaired the discussions, is a global expert in decarbonisation. She commented ‘This is the right moment for information and best practice sharing, in a context where ambitious plans and resolute policies are more necessary than ever to transition to sustainable aviation’.

 

Mr. Ignacio Cartagena Núñez, Consul General of Spain in Edinburgh.

“Civil aviation, airport management and renewable energies are three key sectors for Spain and the UK. Our relevant institutions, companies and researchers can interact and learn from each other. There is a clear need for urgent actions in the framework of a firm commitment to energy transition, and this seminar could be another step ahead in the good direction.”

 

Ms. Ana Salazar Lopez-Pedraza, Sustainability Manager, AENA.

“Airports play a crucial role in embracing new aircraft technologies and renewable energy solutions to ensure a sustainable future for aviation. Adapting infrastructure and operations is not only necessary but also an opportunity to lead the way in reducing emissions and fostering innovation and sustainability.”

 

Mr. Esteban Pachá, Transport and Infrastructure Attaché, Ministry of Transport, Embassy of Spain in London.

“Spain and UK have a strong shared interest in promoting SAF to meet the renewable energy targets. The Roadmap for the promotion of SAF launched by the UK’s Department for Transport with the aim to set the ambition and strategy for the deployment of SAF from 2025 is very compatible with the Safe, Sustainable and Connected Mobility 2030 strategy that will guide the actions of the Spanish Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda about mobility, infrastructure and transport, including low emissions mobility. In this context, both ministries are developing new areas of cooperation to jointly promoting SAF in accordance with each country regulatory frameworks, and to strengthen partnerships with the sector and academic research entities to coordinate initiatives and best practices.”

 

Mr. Terry Shevlin, Head of Aviation Strategy and Sustainable Aviation for Transport Scotland.

“The Scottish Government is committed to working with Scotland’s airports to help restore lost connectivity, and grow international connectivity, while not returning to previous levels of emissions. We are also committed to creating the world’s first zero emission aviation region in partnership with Highlands and Islands Airports Limited. It is therefore very helpful to understand in more depth the actions being taken by airports and airlines to reduce aviation’s emissions, particularly as the Scottish Government continues to develop its own aviation strategy.”

 

Ms. Jessica Briggs– Head of Sustainability, Edinburgh Airport.

“Airports form critical infrastructure for an island nation like Scotland and direct connectivity is crucial for both bringing Scotland closer to the world and allowing travel between mainland and islands. The application of alternative fuels such as hydrogen and Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are essential for the sector to realise net zero goals and for Edinburgh Airport to fully decarbonise ahead of the Scottish Government’s 2045 target. Collaborative workshops such as this, hosted by Herriot Watt University and the Spanish Embassy allow us to build relationships with key partners, allowing us all to work towards a low-carbon aviation sector that delivers sustainable growth beside local and national economic growth.”

 

Ms. Laura Navarro Villanueva, Director, Alicante Airport.

‘‘Developing a culture of sustainability throughout the entire airport community, involving and committing everyone – including employees, airlines, passengers, ground handlers, commercial areas and other stakeholders – is the key to working towards and the only way to achieve zero emissions in 2040”

 

Ms. Katie Jones, Sustainability Manager, Jet2.

“Concerted action is needed to build a more sustainable aviation sector for the long term, and support for technologies such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel is critical to this. Through working in partnership with government, airports, airlines and research institutions, the right policy conditions can be created that ensure connectivity is sustained for the future.”

 

Prof John Andresen – Scotland ETP Hydrogen Lead, Heriot-Watt University.

“Aviation is the gateway to prosperity and global connectivity and bringing together high-level representatives across the innovation supply chain is key to fast-track sustainable solutions.  The role of hydrogen and e-fuels is the runway for global net zero growth and national fuel security.”

 

Prof. Dr. Antonio Sepúlveda-Escribano, University of Alicante.

“Improving the sustainability of the aviation sector is essential for a greener future. By reducing, and even avoiding, carbon emissions we can mitigate the impact of air travel on climate change. Although we have already developed some tools to reach this objective, such as the use of green hydrogen and sustainable fuels, they need to be further improved, and investing in these fields and in technology advancements will pave the way for a more environmentally friendly sector.”

 

*Source: Climate change and flying: what share of global CO2 emissions come from aviation? – Our World in Data

https://idric.org/wp-content/uploads/plane-7013022_1920.jpg 1280 1920 Helen Kibby https://idric.org/wp-content/uploads/IDRIC-Logo-Black-1.png Helen Kibby2023-06-26 12:25:252023-06-27 09:28:29Meeting the scale of the climate emergency for the aviation industry
News

Champion appointed to drive forward industrial decarbonisation centre

January 23, 2020

Champion appointed to drive forward industrial decarbonisation centre

A champion appointed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will develop plans for a new centre which will help to achieve the government’s net zero ambitions by addressing challenges to the decarbonisation of the industrial sector.

https://idric.org/wp-content/uploads/news.jpg 800 1000 Duncan Weddell https://idric.org/wp-content/uploads/IDRIC-Logo-Black-1.png Duncan Weddell2020-01-23 10:11:132020-01-23 10:11:13Champion appointed to drive forward industrial decarbonisation centre
News

Industrial Decarbonisation Champion to steer £20m innovation centre for net-zero transition

January 23, 2020

Industrial Decarbonisation Champion to steer £20m innovation centre for net-zero transition

Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer has been appointed as an “Industrial Decarbonisation Champion” to oversee the development of a £20m research and innovation centre at Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt University that will drive the delivery of the UK’s net-zero emissions target.

https://idric.org/wp-content/uploads/news.jpg 800 1000 Duncan Weddell https://idric.org/wp-content/uploads/IDRIC-Logo-Black-1.png Duncan Weddell2020-01-23 10:10:422020-01-23 10:10:42Industrial Decarbonisation Champion to steer £20m innovation centre for net-zero transition
News

UKRI funds £20m academic centre for industrial net-zero

January 23, 2020

UKRI funds £20m academic centre for industrial net-zero

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which is running the £170 Industrial Strategy Challenge fund to promote strategies to reduce emissions in industrial clusters, is funding Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt University to develop plans for a new academic centre geared to industrial decarbonisation.

https://idric.org/wp-content/uploads/news.jpg 800 1000 Duncan Weddell https://idric.org/wp-content/uploads/IDRIC-Logo-Black-1.png Duncan Weddell2020-01-23 10:08:352020-01-23 10:08:35UKRI funds £20m academic centre for industrial net-zero
News

Industrial decarbonisation gets new research centre and ‘champion’ with £20M to spend

January 23, 2020

Industrial decarbonisation gets new research centre and ‘champion’ with £20M to spend

An Industrial Decarbonisation Champion has been appointed to develop plans for a new £20m Research and Innovation Centre at Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt University to drive the UK’s delivery of Net Zero emissions.

https://idric.org/wp-content/uploads/news.jpg 800 1000 Duncan Weddell https://idric.org/wp-content/uploads/IDRIC-Logo-Black-1.png Duncan Weddell2020-01-23 10:07:142020-01-23 10:07:14Industrial decarbonisation gets new research centre and ‘champion’ with £20M to spend

Pages

  • –Energy Bill
  • 2 Years in Review
  • About
  • Academic Cluster Leads
  • Background to IDRIC
  • Black Country Industrial Cluster
  • Business Development & Knowledge Exchange
  • Centre Team
  • Community
  • Edit Your Profile
  • Equality Diversity & Inclusion
  • Events
  • Events Test
  • Flexible Funding
  • Flexible Funding Application Form
  • Funding
  • Funding News
  • Future Workforce – Pathways to Decarbonisation Careers
  • Home TEST
  • Home…
  • Humber Industrial Cluster
  • IDRIC 2023 Conference
  • IDRIC Stakeholder Group
  • Impact Accelerator Application Form
  • Impact Accelerator Funding
  • Impact Areas
  • Independent Advisory Board
  • Join Us
  • Knowledge Hub
  • Member Login
  • NEW Conference – Sessions
  • News
  • Newsletter
  • North West Industrial Cluster
  • Partners
  • Password Reset
  • Policy Hub
  • Privacy Policy
  • Profile
  • Register
  • Registration
  • Research and Innovation
  • Research Co-Directors
  • Research Projects
  • Scottish Industrial Cluster
  • Secondment Funding
  • Secondment Funding Application Form
  • Skills
  • Social Science
  • Solent Industrial Cluster
  • South Wales Industrial Cluster
  • Stakeholders
  • Teesside Industrial Cluster
  • Thank You
  • Update Billing Card
  • Video Showcase
  • Wave 2 Full Submission
  • Welcome
  • Your Membership
  • Early Career Research Academy

Categories

  • ECRA
  • Environmental impact
  • Events
  • Heriot-Watt
  • Industrial Decarbonisation
  • Low-carbon technologies
  • News
  • Past Events
  • Policy and regulation
  • Policy Newsletter

Archive

  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • May 2021
  • March 2021
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • July 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020

Contact

IDRIC
Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh EH14 4AS
info@idric.org

LinkedIn

Twitter

Sign up to our General and Policy newsletters to keep up to date with all our latest developments.

Sign Up

Funded by

UKRI

© IDRIC 2022 | Website: Tangent & Duncan Weddell & Co

Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Scroll to top

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Accept settingsSettings

Cookie and Privacy Settings



How we use cookies

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

Essential Website Cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

Google Analytics Cookies

These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.

If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:

Other external services

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

Other cookies

The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them:

Privacy Policy

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.

Privacy Policy
Accept settingsHide notification only