Aerospace and Defense Review

Advancements in Propulsion Technology to Decarbonise Aviation

Aerospace and Defense Review | Friday, November 24, 2023

Decarbonising aviation is vital for addressing climate change. Combining advanced propulsion tech and Sustainable Aviation Fuels, along with regulatory collaboration, offers the fastest path to a sustainable future.

FREMONT, CA: The aviation industry has long been a driver of global economic growth and connectivity, enabling individuals and goods to travel across vast distances.  However, its environmental impact, particularly in terms of carbon emissions, has become a growing concern. As nations worldwide commit to reducing their carbon footprints to combat climate change, the aviation sector faces the imperative of decarbonisation. Two key strategies have emerged as the most promising pathways to achieve this, advanced propulsion technology and the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF).

Propulsion Technology: Electrification and Hydrogen

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The most promising path to decarbonise aviation is through advancements in propulsion technology. Traditional jet engines are powered by fossil fuels, primarily kerosene. As a result, the aviation industry is exploring alternative methods of propulsion that produce fewer or no greenhouse gas emissions.

Electrification: Electric propulsion systems have gained considerable attention as a potential solution for reducing aviation emissions. Electric aircraft, driven by battery-powered electric motors, are already in development. These aircraft have the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions, particularly on short-haul routes. Electric propulsion technology is being considered for regional and urban air mobility applications, where short distances and frequent departures make it more feasible.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Hydrogen is another clear energy source that holds promise for aviation. Hydrogen fuel cells work by combining hydrogen with oxygen to produce electricity, generating water vapour as a byproduct. The majority of aerospace organisations are investing in hydrogen-powered aircraft as a means to decarbonise air travel for longer distances. These aircraft are the key to decarbonising long-haul flights that are currently reliant on conventional jet engines.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF): A Viable Transition Solution

While advanced propulsion technology shows great promise for the future, SAF offers an immediate and practical solution to decarbonise aviation in the present.

SAF Basics: SAF are biofuels or synthetic fuels produced from sustainable feedstocks, such as waste oils, algae, or even CO2 captured from the atmosphere. These fuels are designed to replace traditional aviation fuels (kerosene) without any modifications to existing aircraft or infrastructure. SAF are blended with conventional jet fuel, making it a viable transition solution to reduce aviation's carbon footprint immediately.

Benefits of SAF:  The use of SAF reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 per cent compared to traditional aviation fuels. Additionally, SAF produces fewer particulate emissions, which have a significant impact on air quality near airports. The production of SAF is designed to be carbon-neutral, making it a sustainable option for the aviation industry.

Industry Adoption: The aviation industry is increasingly adopting SAF to reduce emissions. Airlines, including major carriers, are committing to using SAF in their operations. Governments and international organisations have recognised the importance of SAF in decarbonising aviation, providing regulatory and financial support for their development and use.

Combining Propulsion Technology and SAF

Short-Term Impact: While electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft take years to become commercially viable for long-haul flights, SAF is available for immediate use. By blending SAF with traditional jet fuel, airlines immediately reduce their carbon emissions, making a substantial contribution to decarbonisation in the short term.

Flexibility: SAF is used in conjunction with various propulsion technologies, including electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft, providing flexibility for airlines to transition to cleaner alternatives as these technologies mature.

Reducing Carbon Emissions: By adopting both advanced propulsion technology and SAF, airlines significantly reduce their carbon emissions. This dual approach addresses emissions across all flight distances, from short-haul to long-haul routes, contributing to a comprehensive decarbonization strategy.

Industry Collaboration: Collaboration between aviation stakeholders, including airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and fuel producers, is vital in advancing both propulsion technology and SAF. Joint efforts accelerate research, development, and the deployment of sustainable solutions.

Government and Regulatory Support

Government support and regulatory frameworks play a crucial role in the adoption of advanced propulsion technology and SAF.

Research and Development Funding: Governments allocate funding for research and development initiatives related to aviation decarbonisation. This support drives innovation and technological advancements in both propulsion technology and SAF production.

Incentives and Mandates: Governments offer incentives, tax breaks, or subsidies to encourage airlines to adopt SAF and invest in greener propulsion technology. They implement mandates to ensure a certain percentage of aviation fuels used are sustainable, driving demand for SAF.

International Agreements: Efforts like CORSIA, which stands for Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, have the goal of restricting the carbon emissions generated by global air travel. SAF have a substantial impact in assisting nations in achieving their CORSIA objectives.

The decarbonisation of aviation is an imperative step in addressing the global challenge of climate change. While advanced propulsion technology and Sustainable Aviation Fuels each have their merits, the combination of both is the fastest and most effective pathway to achieve this goal. Electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft offer the promise of a sustainable future, while SAF provides a practical and immediate solution for reducing emissions across the aviation industry. By collaborating with governments and regulators, the aviation sector accelerates the adoption of these technologies and fuels, helping to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for air travel. The future of aviation depends on the ability to embrace these innovations and work together to reduce carbon emissions from this vital industry.

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