A £15 million competition has been launched to develop UK facilities which convert household waste into aircraft fuel.

The Green Fuel, Green Skies project is part of Boris Johnson’s 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution.

Firms are being encouraged to bid for a share of the cash to pioneer new technologies producing sustainable jet fuel from materials such as household rubbish, waste wood and excess electricity.

These projects could reduce carbon emissions by more than 70% compared with conventional aircraft fuel, the Department for Transport (DfT) said.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps will host the second meeting of the Jet Zero Council on Tuesday, bringing together leaders from aviation, environmental and investor groups with Government representatives to help drive the decarbonisation of aviation.

Heathrow Airpor ’s chief operating officer Emma Gilthorpe will attend in her role as the group’s new chief executive.

Mr Shapps said: “As the aviation sector emerges out of the pandemic and looks towards recovery over the coming months, we must put our environmental commitments at the centre of everything we do – so not only do we build back better, we also build back greener.

“That’s why we’re stepping up our work on the council, recruiting new members and launching pioneering efforts to ensure that we continue to lead the world by example and deliver on our ambitious net-zero targets.”

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng added: “Today’s meeting of the Jet Zero Council demonstrates the vital collaboration between Government and industry that will make zero-emission flights a reality.

“Britain’s aerospace sector is at the centre of our plans to build back greener from the pandemic.

“We are committed to supporting its recovery and investing in green tech to take us closer to zero carbon take-off.”

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of trade body Airlines UK, which represents UK carriers, said sustainable aviation fuels are “proof today that low-emission air travel is possible”.