Sustainable aviation

The aviation industry is making a huge effort to make aviation emission free. In collaboration with authorities, among others, a number of guidelines have been drawn up which will make it possible for aviation to emission free in 2050.

Sustainable aviation can be approached in many different ways, and there are a myriad of methods that can be used to solve the task (and goal) of CO2 neutral aviation. Here we are talking primarily about SAF, electric, hydrogen and hybrid aircraft, and eVTOL.


You can read more about generel guidelines, starting points of the authorities, sustainable propulsion, progress, providers, companies, developers, etc., find an overview of providers, as well as general information, in the following.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel - SAF

SAF can be produced in several ways, but the end product must meet at least the same requirements as fossil jet fuel. Once approved, the fuel can be used in existing aircraft, storage tanks and pipelines. The four most obvious methods are 1. HEFA, primarily based on used cooking oil. 2. Fischer Tropsch gasification based on waste as well as wood and residuals. Alcohol to jet (AtJ), mostly based on residual products from sugary raw materials or enzymatic processes. 4. Electrofuels, also called PtX or PtL, produced on electricity, carbon and hydrogen. Common to all those mentioned is that a maximum of 50% may be mixed into the conventional fuel. Efforts are being made to lift or remove this restriction. Airbus and Boeing as well as some airlines have completed successful test flights with 100% SAF.

 

It is crucial that the fuel is sustainable. This is not included in the technical approval but separately by independent organizations that apply a comprehensive set of sustainability criteria for the raw materials, transport and production method used.

 

Today, there are only two producers that can continuously supply SAF to a broader market. World Energy and Neste. Both with HEFA oil based on used cooking oil. SAF accounts for just a few per mille of aviation fuel consumption globally. 2-3 more producers are expected to be on the market during 2023-24, also with SAF produced on used cooking oil, namely Total, Repsol and ENI. In 2023-26, a further number of manufacturers are expected to be ready with the first AtJ, Fischer/Tropsch catalytic or PtX/electrofuel products.

 

Used cooking oil is the dominant SAF raw material. A disadvantage is that there is a natural limit to how much is available. Critics have also pointed out that it is not possible to ensure sustainability all the way back in the supply chain. Limited access to raw materials is a risk for all methods, however to a lesser extend electrofuels, that are primarily dependent on electricity, hydrogen and carbon. Here, access to renewable energy and carbon are the challenges.

 

Electrofuels/PtX is supposed to be the future fuel. Several development projects are underway both in the Nordic region, internationally and in Denmark. The EU and several international analyzes finds that electrofuels will become dominant within the next, or few, decades.

Map over SAF producers  - Tap for location guidance on Google Maps

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Electric Aircraft

Electric airplanes run solely on electricity. They typically utilize electric motors to drive propellers powered by large batteries. Advancements in electric aviation have been ongoing for years, with recent emphasis on combating climate change serving as a key driver for innovation.

Electric aircraft offer clean and sustainable travel options, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution compared to traditional aircraft.

The efficiency and environmental benefits of electric aviation are attracting interest from major aviation companies and investors, spurring further research and development in the field.

As battery technology continues to improve, the future looks promising for the widespread adoption of electric aircraft in commercial and private aviation sectors.

Electric aircraft companies


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Hydrogen Aircraft

Hydrogen aircraft is an aircraft powered by hydrogen as their primary source of energy.

The technique of transforming hydrogen into liquid fuel is one of the several promising approaches enabling the aviation industry to achieve their climate-neutral goals.

Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity by merging hydrogen and oxygen molecules. Through an electrochemical cell similar to a battery, hydrogen interacts with oxygen to generate electricity, water, and minimal heat.

Discover organizations currently working on developing hydrogen/hydrogen-electric aircraft, including plans for long-distance passenger planes accommodating up to 200 passengers.

Hydrogen-powered aircraft offer significant potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and moving towards sustainable aviation. The use of hydrogen as a clean energy source can lead to a substantial decrease in the environmental impact of air travel, making it a key focus area for aviation innovation.

Efforts to advance hydrogen aircraft technology involve addressing challenges such as storage, distribution, and infrastructure requirements. By investing in research and development, stakeholders aim to make hydrogen-powered aviation a viable and widespread option in the future.

Furthermore, the transition to hydrogen-powered aircraft represents a critical step in achieving a more environmentally friendly aviation sector, aligning with global initiatives to combat climate change and create a greener future for air transportation.

Hybrid Aircraft 

A hybrid aircraft combines both battery power and conventional fossil fuels to overcome the weight challenges faced by fully electric aircraft, which are hindered by large batteries.

Recent research suggests that while smaller aircraft could potentially be electrified, larger aircraft will require significant advancements in battery technology to achieve full electrification anytime soon.

This led Barrett to propose a concept merging the electric propulsion technology from electric aircraft with the established reliability and efficiency of gas turbines, alongside emissions-control technology used in automotive and ground power systems, creating a pathway for the development of semi-electrified planes. [https://news.mit.edu]


Hybrid aircraft offer a promising solution for reducing emissions and fuel consumption in the aviation industry, gradually transitioning towards greener and more sustainable air travel. By integrating electric and traditional propulsion systems, these aircraft can achieve increased efficiency and environmental benefits.

Additionally, the development of hybrid aircraft opens up opportunities for innovation in aviation technology, driving research into advanced energy storage solutions and hybrid powertrain configurations. This evolution in aircraft design is essential for meeting the growing demand for air travel while minimizing the industry's ecological footprint.

As governments and airlines worldwide set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, hybrid aircraft represent a crucial step towards achieving a more eco-friendly and efficient aviation sector.

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eVTOL [Electric Vertical Take Off and Landing]

eVTOL is a smaller aircraft that achieves vertical takeoff and landing using electric power. It relies on electricity for hovering, take off and landing in a vertical position.

This innovative technology is poised to revolutionize electric propulsion, showing great promise in the realms of future aviation, air mobility, package delivery, emergency medical services, and passenger transportation.

The eVTOL sector is rapidly expanding, with over 200 companies currently involved in the development and production of these electric aircraft.

It's fascinating to witness the progress of this eco-friendly and quiet mode of transportation.

Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles are paving the way for sustainable urban air mobility solutions, reducing emissions and noise pollution in densely populated areas.

These electric aircraft have the potential to transform the future of transportation, offering efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional modes of travel.

As advancements in battery technology and aerodynamics continue, the capabilities and reach of eVTOL aircraft are expected to expand, opening up new possibilities for aerial transportation across various sectors.

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