Decarbonizing the skies follows in the footsteps of wind and solar

THE travel by plane they bring the world together, allowing global economies to thrive. L’aviation industry has the task of guaranteeing these movements, while reducing their impact on the environment as much as possible. The industry is striving to be net carbon neutral by 2050, but much remains to be done, both technologically and regulatoryly. This is what emerges from the last one World Economic Forum (Wef) of Davosin Swiss.

I study

The best solution to defend the climate against the threats of air transport is represented by Saf (Sustainable Aviation Fuel), i sustainable fuels. It is a mixture of hydrocarbons chemically similar to conventional fuel; however, it does not derive from fossils but from organic waste materials such as used oils, algae, plant residues, municipal solid waste and industrial gases. Composed in this way, SAFs can reduce CO2 emissions from aircraft by up to 100%. Too bad that today they represent less than 1% of the fuel used for flying.

Acceleration on green fuels

According to a document by Supersonic boom (company specialized in sustainable flight) presented to Wef, a rapid scaling down of Saf production to fully meet demand would be possible as early as the next five-year period 2035-2040, if the public and private sectors align. To understand how to achieve growth, the Dr Akshay Ashok of Boom Supersonic and his collaborator Ben Murphy have studied the expansion models of other renewable sources – especially wind and solar – applying their principles to the industry Saf. To conclude that, the path that will lead sustainable fuels to exponential growth (therefore to success) is the same traveled by wind energy and that of the sun.

What has been done and what remains to be done

In fact, it detects the Wefsome steps have been taken. The industry has invested in the creation of pilot infrastructures dedicated to SAF. The US government has launched an incentive campaign through the Saf Blenders tax credit. The university, for its part, has established research and development programs on the subject. However, the lion’s share belongs to the airlines on the one hand and the fuel producers on the other. The former by focusing on the upfront investment (buy-in) in Safperhaps supported by governments; the latter by renewing their plants, to support the value chain and ensure product compatibility.

Research routes

Research programs should aim at reduction of procurement costs of raw materials and atincrease in ecological conversion efficiency. Ultimately, sustainable technologies can and should stand on their own economically. However, just like other renewables, government incentives will be key to accelerating progress by supporting initial demand and capital investment through supplier-side tax credits.

Looking for new ways

A coherent and constant transport policy over time, concludes the World Economic Forum, is central to the development of sustainable aviation. But we need to promote the production of Saf compared to other renewable liquid fuels given the lack of alternative decarbonisation options for aviation. In addition, low-carbon fuel programs will need to be expanded geographically. Supersonic boom designed a supersonic aircraft for scheduled service. Is called Overture, and is optimized for speed, security and sustainability. It is designed to work at 100% Safe and flies twice as fast as today’s fastest passenger aircraft.