China’s Civil Aviation Administration has released its ambitious ’15th Five-Year Plan for Green Development in Civil Aviation,’ setting a clear roadmap for a sustainable future in the sector. The plan outlines significant goals for 2030, aiming for breakthroughs in green and low-carbon transformation, with a robust system for controlling total carbon emissions and intensity.
Key Emission Reduction Targets
By 2030, the plan aims for a notable reduction in aviation’s environmental impact. Specifically, it targets a 4% decrease in carbon dioxide emissions per ton-kilometer for transport aviation and a substantial 15% reduction in CO2 emissions per unit of passenger throughput for airports. These figures are set to position China’s aviation industry among global leaders in emission control.
Advancing Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)
A cornerstone of the green initiative is the promotion of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). The plan emphasizes a safe, orderly, and cost-effective transition, prioritizing safety, technological advancement, diverse feedstock, economic viability, environmental friendliness, and autonomous control. Efforts will focus on upgrading current SAF production processes, particularly those using waste oils, to improve yields and lower costs. Furthermore, the plan accelerates the commercialization of processes using cellulosic biomass as a feedstock. Significant research and development are also directed towards power-to-liquid (CO2 + clean hydrogen) and non-grain biomass alcohol spraying technologies.
SAF Production Goals for 2030
By 2030, the target is to achieve an annual SAF production capacity of 2.4 million tons. A key component of this is ensuring that over 20,000 tons of this capacity comes from non-waste oil feedstocks. The plan also includes the development of infrastructure for SAF storage, blending, and refueling. It calls for enhanced capabilities in airworthiness certification for new processes and high-blend SAF, alongside the establishment of a SAF sustainability certification mechanism.
To facilitate this, China will actively participate in international carbon emission reduction cooperation and exchanges. The plan supports the development of policies, operational mechanisms, and application models that are conducive to large-scale SAF development. The role of the SAF Industry Alliance will be crucial in market expansion, technological innovation, and policy coordination.
Electrification of Ground Operations
Another significant focus is the transition to electric vehicles within airport grounds. The plan mandates the phasing out of high-emission gasoline and diesel vehicles and equipment, aligning with the latest national emission standards for air pollutants. Charging infrastructure will be strategically developed across airports.
Electric Vehicle Targets for 2030
By 2030, over 55% of vehicles operating within airport perimeters are expected to be pure electric, with general-purpose vehicles reaching a 90% electric share. For airports handling over 2 million passengers annually, the plan supports the implementation of auxiliary power unit (APU) replacement equipment for aircraft, along with upgrades for old equipment and facilities for remote stands, enhancing operational sustainability.
Energy System Modernization
The plan also addresses the broader energy systems within airports. It promotes the digital and intelligent transformation of energy systems for airports in high-altitude regions, adapting to specific environmental conditions. Northern airports are encouraged to adopt clean energy and municipal heating alternatives to reduce emissions from winter coal-fired boilers.
Nationally, the proportion of electricity in the terminal energy consumption of airports is targeted to exceed 60%. Additionally, support will be provided for research into airport-area air pollutant monitoring, source tracing, and related policy development.
