Rajan Wilcox
The aviation industry is facing increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact and carbon emissions. With the number of people flying expected to return to pre-pandemic levels and continue to grow, the industry must rapidly address its reliance on fossil fuels. While aviation is a small contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, it is one of the fastest-growing sectors. This has sparked a search for sustainable and renewable alternatives to conventional aviation fuel. So, can planes fly without fossil fuels?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Possibility of creating aviation fuel without fossil fuels | Possible and essential for the future of the aviation industry |
| Alternative fuels | Hydrogen, synthetic fuels, power-to-liquids, vegetable oils, ammonia, solar, wind, nuclear, electricity |
| Challenges | Cost, availability of feedstocks, energy density, water vapour as a greenhouse gas, fuel tank size and insulation requirements, safety, performance, reliability, compatibility with global standards |
| Progress | Sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) certified for use in aircraft, with some EU countries setting blending mandates; advancements in battery technology enabling short flights |
| Outlook | Airbus plans to develop the world's first hydrogen commercial aircraft by 2035; Greta Thunberg's zero-carbon Atlantic crossing demonstrates the potential for long-haul travel without fossil fuels |
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What You'll Learn
Hydrogen as an alternative fuel
The aviation industry is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, and its reliance on fossil fuels exacerbates this issue. Hydrogen is considered a promising alternative to conventional hydrocarbon fuels due to its unique attributes, including global availability, safety, minimal pollution, and lightweight properties. Hydrogen can be used as an energy carrier in aviation, offering a clean and renewable solution.
Research has shown that hydrogen can effectively replace fossil fuels in air transportation, providing a sustainable energy system for the future. Hydrogen fuel is now being tested and utilized as a sustainable green fuel in the aviation sector. Hydrogen can either be burned in a jet engine or another type of internal combustion engine, or it can be used to power a fuel cell to generate electricity to power an electric propulsor. Hydrogen-powered aircraft using a fuel cell design are zero-emission in operation, while aircraft using hydrogen as a fuel for a jet engine or an internal combustion engine are zero-emission for CO2 but not for NOx.
There are, however, some challenges to the adoption of hydrogen as an aviation fuel. Hydrogen has significantly lower energy density volumetrically than jet fuel, which poses major engineering challenges. Hydrogen-powered planes will have to fly at higher altitudes, which is problematic because water vapour becomes a very potent greenhouse gas at such altitudes. Additionally, the huge size and insulation requirements of hydrogen fuel tanks are of dubious value. The major barriers to the widespread adoption of hydrogen technology in aviation include the lack of refueling stations, large production costs, and consolidated carbon market share.
Despite these challenges, there is ongoing research and development in this area, and hydrogen is still considered a viable alternative to fossil fuels in aviation. Numerous countries and companies have funded multimillion-dollar projects to develop hydrogen-fuelled aircraft. Airbus plans to launch a commercial hydrogen-powered aircraft by 2040–2045, while McKinsey & Company forecast hydrogen aircraft entering the market in the late 2030s and scaling up through 2050, when they could account for a third of aviation's energy demand.
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Synthetic fuels
The aviation industry is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, and its reliance on fossil fuels for jet fuel exacerbates this issue. As fossil fuel reserves deplete and environmental concerns mount, the need for sustainable and renewable alternatives to conventional aviation fuel becomes increasingly crucial. One such alternative is synthetic fuel.
One advantage of synthetic fuels is their compatibility with existing aircraft and infrastructure. "Drop-in" biofuels, such as synthetic paraffinic kerosene, can be seamlessly blended with conventional jet fuel without requiring modifications to engines or infrastructure. This flexibility allows for a gradual transition to more sustainable practices within the industry.
However, one of the biggest challenges to the widespread adoption of synthetic fuels is the economic cost of production. The processes involved in synthesizing these fuels can be costly, and the availability of feedstocks can impact the overall feasibility. Additionally, the aviation industry values the reliability and performance of traditional jet engines, which have proven to be highly efficient and powerful.
Despite these challenges, the development and adoption of synthetic fuels are essential for the aviation industry's sustainable future. With continued research and investment, synthetic fuels can play a pivotal role in reducing the environmental impact of air transportation. The support of major industry players, such as Boeing and leading airlines, is also crucial in driving the production and utilization of synthetic fuels on a larger scale.
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Power-to-liquids
The process involves using renewable energy to power electrolysers to produce green hydrogen. This hydrogen is then synthesised with carbon feedstock, generated by capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air, to produce liquid hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons can then be converted into a synthetic equivalent of kerosene, or jet fuel.
One of the major advantages of PtL is that it can be transported and distributed via existing fossil fuel infrastructure, including pipelines and filling stations. This makes it a viable option for fuelling aviation, as it meets the energy density requirements for transport modes that need to travel long distances.
While PtL has the potential to reduce well-to-wheel emissions by up to 90% compared to fossil fuels, it currently faces the challenge of higher production costs. These costs are expected to decrease over time with improvements in green hydrogen production and captured CO2 technology.
Overall, PtL is an exciting option for sustainable aviation fuel, and companies like Airbus are already exploring its potential for enabling low-carbon flying.
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Cost of sustainable aviation fuels
The aviation industry is facing increasing pressure to reduce its carbon emissions, which currently account for 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a promising solution, reducing emissions from flying by up to 90%. However, the high cost of SAF is a significant barrier to its widespread adoption.
SAF is a "drop-in" fuel that can be used in existing aircraft engines without any modifications, making it a convenient option for airlines. However, the production of SAF is more costly than traditional jet fuel due to the additional processing required and the tight supply of feedstocks such as cooking oil. These high project costs are passed on to the consumer, making SAF less price-competitive than fossil-derived jet fuel.
The challenge of cost is further exacerbated by the thin margins in the aviation industry. Airlines operate on slim profit margins, and the additional expense of SAF can be a burden, especially for low-cost carriers. This has led to concerns among airlines about the costly switch to SAF, with some carriers committing to only replace 10% of jet fuel with SAF by 2030.
However, there are signs of progress and a willingness to address the cost challenge. Airlines have signaled a readiness to pay a premium for SAF, and corporates are showing strong interest in SAF certificates. As production scales up, costs may decrease, narrowing the price gap between SAF and fossil fuels. Additionally, governments are providing incentives and mandates to boost SAF supply, such as tax credits of up to $1.75 per gallon under the Inflation Reduction Act.
While cost remains a hurdle, the foundation for a robust and sustainable aviation fuel market is being laid. The demonstrated willingness to pay for SAF from airlines and corporates is a pivotal step toward decarbonizing the aviation sector. With continued efforts and investments, the cost challenge can be mitigated, accelerating the adoption of SAF and contributing to global emissions reduction goals.
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Electric planes and batteries
Electric planes are aircraft powered by electricity, usually stored in batteries. They are seen as a way to reduce the environmental effects of aviation, providing zero emissions and quieter flights. The aviation industry contributes a growing share of global greenhouse gas emissions, and battery-powered planes could help speed up decarbonization in this sector.
The main challenge for electric planes is battery technology. Today's batteries do not have the energy density necessary to power anything but the lightest planes. The limiting factor is the amount of energy that can be stored in a small space. While batteries have been packing more power into smaller spaces for about 30 years, improvements are still needed to make electric planes a more feasible option. The battery must be able to deliver a large amount of power at takeoff and be light and long-lasting enough to cruise for long distances.
Several companies are working on electric planes, with some already in operation. Heart Aerospace, a Sweden-based startup, is testing 19-seat planes that could be flying commercially by 2026. Wright Electric, a US-based startup, is retrofitting 100-seat aircraft with batteries for short routes, also with the aim of flying by 2026. Zunum announced plans in 2018 to deliver a line of "hybrid-to-electric" aircraft with room for 12 passengers. Uber, Airbus, and Boeing are also exploring the potential to electrify small aircraft, creating flying taxis that can cover around 100 miles (161 kilometers) on a charge.
While electric planes show promise, they are not without their challenges. In addition to battery technology, there are concerns about the cost of sustainable fuels and the infrastructure needed to support electric planes. However, with continued research and development, electric planes could play a significant role in reducing the environmental impact of the aviation industry.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible for planes to fly without fossil fuels.
Hydrogen, synthetic fuels, power-to-liquids, electricity, solar power, and batteries are all possible alternatives to fossil fuels for planes.
While some planes have been flight-tested using alternatives to fossil fuels, they are not yet in widespread use.
The cost of production, availability of feedstocks, energy density, storage, and infrastructure compatibility are some of the challenges that need to be addressed to make alternative fuels a feasible option for aviation.
In addition to switching the type of fuel used, airlines can also reduce their impact on the climate by changing flight plans to produce fewer contrails, improving aircraft efficiency, and using sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) that can be blended with fossil fuels.
