The SASHA Coalition, initiated by climate change NGO Opportunity Green, is set to be officially launched on May 24th by Lord Deben, Chair of the UK’s Committee on Climate Change.
This coalition aims to facilitate policy discussions and equip its members with the necessary knowledge and resources to drive impactful change in the field of sustainable aviation and shipping.
Recognizing the significance of a unified voice, the SASHA Coalition brings together individual airlines and shipping companies to advocate for the adoption of green hydrogen in their respective sectors. By combining their efforts, these industries aim to wield greater influence over policy decisions and drive the necessary changes towards decarbonization.
Opportunity Green emphasizes the need to allocate limited supplies of hydrogen and carbon dioxide from Direct Air Capture (DAC) to industries that lack faster and more efficient decarbonization pathways. The NGO argues that current EU and UK policies fail to ensure a reliable supply of green hydrogen and DAC specifically for the aviation and shipping sectors.
Despite the increasing references to hydrogen and DAC in various policies, including the UK Government’s Net Zero Strategy and the EU’s REPowerEU policy, Opportunity Green warns against their misuse in sectors where alternative solutions are readily available. Misdirected regulations could inadvertently impede progress in addressing the climate crisis.
The SASHA Coalition aims to bridge this policy gap by advocating for prioritized usage of green hydrogen and DAC in sectors such as shipping and aviation, where their implementation is most critical. By providing research and data, the coalition seeks to support the development of a compelling case that emphasizes the precise share of these resources required by shipping and aviation companies.
Sally Prickett, Director of Hydrogen, CCUS, and New Fuels in Arup’s Advisory team, emphasizes the importance of transparency from shipping and aviation companies regarding their specific needs. Arup, a supporter of the SASHA Coalition, is committed to assisting the coalition by providing essential research and data to bolster their case.
The launch of the SASHA Coalition marks a significant step forward in advocating for green hydrogen and DAC in the shipping and aviation sectors. By unifying the voices of industry players and addressing policy coherence, the coalition aims to drive the necessary changes for a more sustainable future in these critical sectors.
