Articles tagged with "sustainable-aviation-fuels"
European Aviation Set to Spend Billions on Offsetting Schemes - CleanTechnica
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is currently reviewing its progress toward the Long Term Aspirational Goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 during its 42nd General Assembly. A key focus is on CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation), designed to complement other emissions reduction efforts in aviation. However, CORSIA has so far failed to stabilize aviation CO2 emissions or significantly promote green technologies like sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and zero-emission planes. A recent Transport & Environment (T&E) analysis criticizes CORSIA as an expensive distraction, estimating that European aviation could spend between €7 billion and €43 billion on offsetting projects over the next decade, with minimal climate or local community benefits. Moreover, due to its design, CORSIA will only offset about 26% of EU international aviation emissions by 2035. The article highlights concerns about ICAO’s governance, noting significant industry influence from fossil fuel companies and airlines,
energycarbon-offsettingaviation-emissionssustainable-aviation-fuelsclimate-policyEU-ETSnet-zero-carbon-emissionsThe Aviation Industry and the Stall in Aircraft Innovation - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights a concerning stall in aircraft innovation that threatens the aviation industry’s ability to meet decarbonisation targets. Despite the critical need for more efficient and zero-emission aircraft to reduce the sector’s high emissions, major manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing have largely focused on incremental improvements, such as re-engined versions of existing models, rather than breakthrough technologies. Innovative projects have faced delays or pauses, and no new aircraft models are expected from these OEMs in the next decade. This slowdown is attributed to a lack of market competition and insufficient policy incentives pushing manufacturers toward radical innovation. Modeling presented in the article suggests that with ambitious but achievable innovation, European aviation could improve efficiency by up to 13% by 2050, potentially saving enough renewable electricity to power 27 million heat pumps. If manufacturers push further, efficiency gains could reach 17%, underscoring the significant role aircraft technology can play in meeting EU climate goals. To unlock this potential, the article recommends strengthening
energyaviationdecarbonizationsustainable-aviation-fuelsaircraft-innovationemissions-reductiongreen-technologyHelix reveals new aircraft design that cuts flight fuel use by 90%
Helix, a UK-based electric motor specialist, has unveiled a radical aircraft design aimed at cutting fuel consumption on very short-haul flights (under 250 nautical miles) by up to 90 percent. Their new blueprint, detailed in the white paper “A New Architecture for Aviation,” proposes a three-step redesign for regional and private aircraft that combines a hybrid electric system, lightweight high-density motors, and ducted fan propulsion. This approach reduces fuel burn from around 230 kg per flight to just 23.8 kg, offering a practical path to significantly lower emissions and operating costs using existing technology. The design targets a market segment that accounts for over a quarter of global air traffic and faces high fuel costs, especially as sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) become more expensive. Helix’s solution centers on series hybridization, which pairs a compact liquid-fuel generator with batteries, enabling electric-only operation during critical phases like takeoff and landing, and fuel-powered battery recharging during cruise. This hybrid
energyhybrid-electric-aircraftfuel-efficiencyaviation-technologysustainable-aviation-fuelselectric-motorsshort-haul-flightsAviation Professionals Call For A New Flight Plan On Emissions
energyemissionsaviationclimate-changesustainable-aviation-fuelscarbon-footprintfossil-fuels