Here’s what will make net-zero aviation a reality
How climate change goals and innovation can facilitate green flights in the future
Build back better
The aviation sector’s progress in cutting emissions has been disappointing to date. For example, in February last year,researchon the world’s largest 58 airlines found even the best-performing ones were not doing anywhere near enough to cut emissions.
Most recently, at the COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow, the industry merely reasserted a commitment to a plan known as theCarbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation.
The scheme relies on carbon offsetting, which essentially pays another actor to reduce emissions on its behalf at the lowest cost, and doesn’t lead to absolute emissions reduction in aviation. The scheme also encourages alternative cleaner fuels, but the level of emissions reduction between fuels varies considerably.
Governments have generally failed to provide strong leadership to help the aviation sector to reduce emissions. This in part is because pollution from international aviation is not counted in the emissions ledger of any country, leaving little incentive for governments to act. Aviation is also a complex policy space to navigate, involving multiple actors around the world. However, COVID-19 has significantly jolted the aviation and travel sector, presenting an opportunity to build back better – and differently.
Griffith University recently held awebinar serieson decarbonizing aviation, involving industry, academic, and government experts. The sessions explored the most promising policy and practical developments for net-zero aviation, as well as the most significant hurdles.
Nations soaring ahead
Some governments are leading the way in driving change in the aviation industry. For example, as a result ofgovernment policyto make Sweden climate-neutral by 2045, the Swedish aviation industry developed aroadmapfor fossil-free domestic flights by 2030, and for all flights originating from Sweden to be fossil-free by 2045.
Achieving fossil-free flights requires replacing jet fuel with alternatives such as sustainable fuels or electric and hydrogen propulsion.
The European Union plans toend current tax exemptionsfor jet fuel and introduce measures toacceleratethe uptake of sustainable fuels.
The United Kingdom is finalizing its strategy fornet-zero aviationby 2050 and a public body known as UK Research and Innovation issupportingthe development of new aviation technologies, including hybrid-electric regional aircraft.
Australia lacks a strategic framework or emissions reduction targets to help transition the aviation industry. TheEmerging Aviation Technology Programseeks to reduce carbon emissions, among other goals. However, it appears to have a strong focus on freight-carrying drones andurban air vehicles, rather than fixed-wing aircraft.
Building tomorrow’s aircraft
Low-emissions aircraft technology has developed substantially in the last five years. Advancements include electric and hybrid aircraft (powered by hydrogen or a battery) – such as that being developed byAirbus,Rolls RoyceandZero Avia– as well assustainable aviation fuels.
Each of these technologies can reduce carbon emissions, but only battery and hydrogen-electric options significantly reduce non-CO₂ climate impacts such as oxides of nitrogen (NOx), soot particles, oxidized sulphur species, and water vapor.
For electric aircraft to be net-zero emissions, they must be powered by renewable energy sources. As well as being better for the planet, electric and hydrogen aircraft are likely to havelowerenergy and maintenancecoststhan conventional aircraft.
This decade, we expect a rapid emergence of electric and hybrid aircraft for short-haul, commuter, air taxi, helicopter, and general flights. Increased use of sustainable aviation fuel is also likely.
Although electric planes are flying, commercial operations are not expected until at least 2023 as the aircraft must undergo rigorous testing, safety, and certification.
Overcoming turbulence
Despite real efforts by some industry leaders and governments towards making aviation a net-zero industry, significant strategic and practical challenges remain. Conversion to the commercial mainstream is not happening quickly enough.
To help decarbonize aviation in Australia, industry and government should develop a clear strategy for emissions reduction with interim targets for 2030 and 2040. This would keep the industry competitive and on track for net-zero emissions by 2050.
Strategic attention and action is also needed to:
The emissions created by flights and itineraries canvary substantially. Consumers can do their part by opting for the lowest-impact option, and offsetting the emissions their flight creates via acredible program. Consumers can also choose to fly only with airlines and operators that have committed to net-zero emissions.
Net-zero aviation need not remain a flight of fantasy, but to make it a reality, emissions reduction must be at the heart of aviation’s pandemic bounce-back.
Article byEmma Rachel Whittlesea, Senior Research Fellow,Griffith University, andTim Ryley, Professor and Head of Griffith Aviation,Griffith University.
This article is republished fromThe Conversationunder a Creative Commons license. Read theoriginal article.
Story byThe Conversation
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