Denmark’s government has set a target of eliminating fossil fuel-powered domestic aircraft by 2030. Denmark wants to reduce overall emissions by 70% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen remarked in her New Year’s message that she wants to “make flying green.” She did admit, however, that the answers to meet her goal were not yet in place.

To travel is to live and therefore we fly,” said Ms Frederiksen, announcing her plan. “When other countries in the world are too slow. Then Denmark must take the lead and raise the bar even more,” she said.

Green domestic flights will be tough to achieve, she acknowledged, but researchers and firms are working on alternatives.

Airbus, a European aircraft maker, has announced intentions to construct hydrogen-fueled aircraft that might be operational by 2035. If the hydrogen required to power them is produced using renewable energy, Denmark may be able to meet its targets. However, it is questionable whether the technology will be ready, and the costs will be low enough, to meet the 2030 objective.

Sweden has also announced plans to eliminate fossil fuels from domestic flights by 2030. It also aspires to make international flights environmentally friendly by 2045. The administration there announced intentions earlier this year to boost airport fees for high-polluting flights.

Similarly, France is considering banning domestic flights where the same trip could be completed in less than two hours and fifteen minutes by train.

Source:BBC.com