Mercedes Mullins
Aviation currently contributes about 2.5% to energy-related CO2 emissions globally, with airline emissions making up a little more than 3% of total emissions in Canada. With flights being energy-intensive and highly dependent on fossil fuels, researchers are working on a range of alternatives to fossil jet fuel. While air travel without fossil fuels may be possible in the future, it is currently not a widely available option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Possibility of air travel without fossil fuels | Yes, but limited by cost and technological advancements |
| Alternative fuels | Hydrogen, biofuels, solar, electricity, fuel cells |
| Impact on cost of air travel | Likely to increase |
| Impact on frequency of air travel | Likely to decrease |
| Environmental impact | Reduced emissions, no carbon footprint |
| Current initiatives | Project Phoenix, HY4, Dornier 328eco |
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Hydrogen-powered aircraft
Air travel is responsible for a significant proportion of global emissions, contributing to climate change. As a result, the aviation industry is exploring alternative fuel sources to reduce its environmental impact. Hydrogen-powered aircraft are one such solution that has gained traction in recent years.
Airbus, a leading aircraft manufacturer, has been at the forefront of developing hydrogen-powered aircraft. Their ZEROe project, launched in 2020, explores hydrogen propulsion technologies, including hydrogen combustion and hydrogen fuel cells. In 2025, Airbus selected hydrogen fuel cell technology as the propulsion method for their future aircraft. The ZEROe aircraft will feature an electric propeller propulsion system powered by hydrogen fuel cells, converting hydrogen into electricity through a chemical reaction. Airbus aims to bring hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft to market by 2040-2045.
Boeing, another major aircraft manufacturer, has also ventured into hydrogen-powered flight. They converted a Diamond DA20 aircraft to run on a fuel cell and unveiled the hydrogen-powered Phantom Eye UAV in 2010. Additionally, startups like ZeroAvia and Universal Hydrogen are developing hydrogen-powered aircraft, aiming for commercial operations as early as 2025.
While hydrogen-powered aircraft offer zero CO2 emissions, challenges remain. Hydrogen fuel cells must adhere to aerospace weight and safety regulations, and the majority of hydrogen production today comes from fossil fuels. However, if hydrogen can be produced using low-carbon power sources, its use in aircraft will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen-powered aircraft are expected to be commercially viable for short-haul and regional flights in the coming years, with a potential reduction in climate impact of up to 80%.
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Biofuels
Aviation biofuels, also known as bio-jet fuel, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), or bio-aviation fuel (BAF), are biofuels used to power aircraft. They are considered a key element in reducing the environmental impact of aviation. These biofuels are biomass-derived fuels from plants, animals, or waste. Depending on the type of biomass used, they can lower carbon dioxide emissions by 20–98% compared to conventional jet fuel.
The first test flight using blended biofuel took place in 2008, and in 2011, blended fuels with 50% biofuels were allowed on commercial flights. As of 2022, around 450,000 flights had used sustainable fuels as part of their fuel mix, although such fuels were about three times more expensive than traditional fossil jet fuel or kerosene. In 2023, SAFs accounted for less than 0.1% of all aviation fuels consumed.
One of the challenges in using biofuels for aviation is their tendency to become highly viscous or even solidify at low temperatures, which is a significant issue considering the typical air temperature at cruising altitude. Another challenge is the cost, which is significantly higher than that of fossil-derived feedstocks.
However, advancements in technology and policy frameworks can help address these challenges and make aviation biofuels more viable. For instance, synthetic paraffinic kerosene (SPK) is a non-petroleum-based fuel designed to replace kerosene jet fuel, which is often made from biomass. Additionally, third-party certifications like the Roundtable For Sustainable Biofuels ensure that biofuels meet environmental, social, and economic standards.
Overall, while aviation biofuels currently face some obstacles, they hold promise for reducing the environmental impact of air travel and extending the lifespan of older aircraft types.
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Fuel cells
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 such, there is a growing need to find sustainable and renewable alternatives to conventional aviation fuel.
One potential solution is the use of hydrogen fuel cells. Hydrogen is considered a promising alternative to conventional hydrocarbon fuels due to its high energy density compared to weight, global availability, safety, minimal pollution, and lightweight properties. Hydrogen fuel cells can significantly reduce CO2 emissions from small planes and potentially pave the way for hydrogen-powered jets. In 2023, aviation startups ZeroAvia and Universal Hydrogen conducted successful test flights of small planes equipped with hydrogen fuel cells over the US West Coast and the English countryside.
The use of hydrogen in fuel cells works by allowing hydrogen to flow into the fuel-cell system, which spurs an electrochemical reaction that produces electricity. This electricity then drives electric motors and spins propellers. However, hydrogen fuel cells currently cannot produce enough power for large, long-distance aircraft. As a result, their use is likely to be restricted to short-haul, turboprop airliners seating approximately 50 to 60 passengers and flying a few hundred miles.
Additionally, while hydrogen fuel cells offer environmental benefits, they also present challenges. Hydrogen has a low energy density compared to volume, even in liquid form, causing it to take up more space than other fuels. This has led to companies like Airbus investigating storing hydrogen in large wings. Furthermore, hydrogen, especially green hydrogen, is currently more expensive to produce and purchase than conventional kerosene. Nevertheless, if green hydrogen production increases and fuel-cell aircraft become more common, refuelling with hydrogen could become more cost-effective than fossil jet fuel in the future.
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Cost of alternatives
The cost of alternatives to fossil fuels in the aviation industry is a key consideration for airlines, policymakers, and investors. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a promising solution, reducing emissions by up to 94% compared to conventional jet fuel. However, the high costs associated with SAF production and the transition to its use are significant challenges.
SAF producers face low margins due to the additional processing required for biofuel production and the limited supply of feedstocks such as cooking oil. These factors contribute to rising project costs, which are then passed on to airlines. While some airlines have expressed a willingness to pay a premium for SAF, the costly switch remains a concern.
To address these cost challenges, governments are providing incentives and mandates to boost SAF supply. For example, SAF producers in the United States are eligible for tax credits of up to $1.75 per gallon under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). However, policy uncertainty and a lack of clarity on demand, particularly customer willingness to pay, persist as hurdles.
The European Union has introduced a mandate to ensure SAF constitutes 2% of fuel at EU airports by 2025, gradually increasing to 70% by 2050. This strong policy support is essential for the industry to transition to SAF, but it must be accompanied by increased demand and transparency around customer WTP to fully unlock the potential of the SAF market and accelerate emissions reduction efforts.
While costs are a significant barrier, the foundation for a robust and sustainable aviation fuel market is being laid through corporate commitments, government incentives, and technological advancements. As production scales up, costs may decrease, narrowing the gap between fossil fuels and SAF prices and further accelerating the adoption of sustainable alternatives.
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Carbon offsetting
Despite these criticisms, carbon offsetting can be an effective way to meet mandatory and voluntary commitments to reduce carbon emissions. The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) is a mandatory scheme that aims to address the carbon-neutral growth of the aviation industry. Under CORSIA, airlines invest in high-quality carbon offsets that meet stringent environmental integrity criteria. As of April 2020, 83 countries, representing about 75% of international aviation activity, planned to participate in CORSIA's pilot and first formal phases.
Individuals can also voluntarily purchase carbon offsets to reduce their carbon footprint when flying. More than a third of Americans have expressed a willingness to pay extra to offset their flights' CO2 emissions. Popular schemes include tree planting, wind farms, and the distribution of fuel-efficient stoves in developing countries. However, it is important to prioritise low-carbon alternatives to air travel, such as video conferencing or train travel, over the purchase of carbon offsets.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, air travel without fossil fuels is possible. Researchers are working on a range of alternatives to fossil jet fuel, such as hydrogen, biofuels, solar, and batteries. Recent test flights powered by these alternative fuels have been successful.
Hydrogen, biofuels, solar, and batteries are some alternatives to fossil fuels for air travel. Hydrogen, when mixed with oxygen to create electricity, emits nothing but water vapour, unlike conventional jet fuels that release carbon dioxide. Biofuels, however, tend to become highly viscous or even solidify at low temperatures, which is a challenge at the typical air temperature at 10,000 meters where planes fly.
The future of air travel will likely involve a transition away from fossil fuels towards more sustainable alternatives. Air travel without fossil fuels will probably be more expensive and less common, but it won't disappear completely. The development of green hydrogen, produced by wind and solar farms, could become the new standard fuel in aviation. Additionally, advancements in technology and infrastructure are crucial for achieving a carbon-free future for aviation.
