Greener air transport. Denmark wants to have domestic flights without harmful emissions by 2030

Denmark wants to have zero-emission domestic air transport by 2030, said in New Year’s speech by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. At the same time, however, she acknowledged that her government had yet to come up with a solution. Denmark intends to reduce total carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2030 compared to 1990, as stated BBC . At the same time, Danes are due to decide on a new carbon tax this year, so that companies pay for emitting harmful emissions.

” Many have already switched to another type. It will take longer for others. However, the starting point is simple. The Danish principle is that the widest shoulders should carry the most. This must also apply to the ecological transition: if you emit CO ₂ , you must pay. This is the fairest way, “said Mette Frederiksen, who has headed the Danish government since June 2019.

“If the rest of the world is too slow, then Denmark must take the initiative. And raise the bar even higher. This also applies to air transport. To travel is to live, and that is why we fly. However, it is also harmful to our climate, “ added the Danish Prime Minister and Social Democrats. According to her, achieving so-called green flying will be difficult, but scientists and companies are working on it.

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus already announced plans for the development of hydrogen aircraft , which could be in operation by 2035. If the hydrogen needed to power aircraft is produced from renewable sources, it could be Denmark a way to reach its goal. However, it is not yet clear whether the necessary technology will be available in time and, above all, whether the cost of acquiring it will be acceptable if Copenhagen is to achieve its goal by 2030.

Sweden is also has announced plans to make its domestic air transport completely carbon-free by 2030, and wants to reach this target by 2045 for interstate flights.

In the meantime , France is about to ban domestic flights that can be replace by rail with a distance of two and a half hours. Such a measure could affect travel between Paris and cities such as Nantes, Lyon or Bordeaux.