Aviation pursues sustainable aviation fuel advances to meet 2050 zero-emissions goal

Airlines and aerospace companies worldwide are intensifying research and production efforts to meet environmental goals. Among the latest global initiatives are efforts to develop hydrogen fuel technology, reports associate editor and chief correspondent, Tom Ballantyne.

April 1st 2022

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In Western Australia last month, Airbus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Australian renewable energies resources company, Fortescue Future Industries (FFI), to study the application of liquid hydrogen and Power-to-Liquid fuels to aviation. Read More » “We are all citizens of a global world,” FFI founder and chairman, Dr. Andrew Forest, said.

“People want to see their friends and loved ones in other countries. They want to explore new places. They want to explore the world. But we also want a world for the future. By helping to enable a greener aviation industry, we pave the way for the future generation to live in this global society and doing so without sacrificing the planet.”

The deal reflects the shared ambition of the partners to support the entry-into-service of a hydrogen-powered aircraft by 2035 and achieve net-zero emissions across the industry. The collaboration includes examining the challenges of hydrogen regulations, supply, infrastructure and fueling for aviation from the production of hydrogen to its delivery to airports and transfer on board aircraft.

Airbus also has signed an agreement with joint venture engine manufacturer, CFMI, to collaborate on a hydrogen demonstrator planned to fly by mid-decade. The partners are aiming for a commercial zero-emission hydrogen airplane, also by 2035.

In February, the Toulouse-headquartered company signed a Cooperation Agreement with Singapore’s Changi Airport Group, global industrial gases and engineering company, Linde, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) to study the potential of a hydrogen hub in Singapore.

In the same month, Korean Air (KAL) signed a MoU with Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC), Airbus and Air Liquide to cooperate on supplying aviation hydrogen fuel and developing relevant infrastructure. KAL’s contribution will focus on overall operational activities, including ground handling planning, maintenance and flight operations, and IIAC for the research and development of airport facilities.

Airbus and Air Liquide will analyze domestic demand for hydrogen-powered aircraft and establish a roadmap for the introduction of hydrogen fuel, respectively.

“The Asia-Pacific will play a key role as we work towards making climate-neutral aviation a reality,” said Airbus Chief Technical Officer, Sabine Klauke. “By partnering with Changi Airport and Incheon Airport, Airbus will leverage the operational and technical expertise of two of the world’s leading hubs. The studies we will carry out together reflect the need for a cross-sectoral approach, including manufacturers, airlines, regulators, airports, energy providers and academia. We need bold and coordinated action to achieve our goals.”

In a separate announcement, banker HSBC announced it will invest $100 million in Breakthrough Energy Catalyst, a program within the larger Breakthrough Energy network founded by Bill Gates. It will support the growth of climate critical technologies – direct air capture, clean hydrogen, long-duration energy storage and sustainable aviation fuels.

The use of hydrogen to power future aircraft is expected to significantly reduce aircraft emissions in the air and help decarbonize air transport activities on the ground. In 2020, Airbus launched “Hydrogen Hub at Airports” to jumpstart research into low-carbon airport operations across the entire value chain.

Other recent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) deals include the Qantas Group’s decision to purchase, from 2025, 20 million litres of blended SAF annually from U.S. biofuels company, Aemetis, for flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco to eastern Australia. The SAF, produced from waste products and blended with normal jet fuel, will be manufactured at the Aemetis facility being built in California.

Qantas Group CEO, Alan Joyce, said SAF was critical to aviation’s transition to a low emissions future. “Climate change is front of mind for Qantas, our customers, employees and investors. It is a key focus for us as we move through our recovery from the pandemic. Operating our aircraft with sustainable aviation fuel is the single biggest initiative we can do to directly reduce our emissions.”

Elsewhere, Boeing has announced the largest purchase of SAF by an aerospace manufacturer, buying two million gallons of 30% SAF blend from EPIC Fuels. In Asia, Neste will open a Singapore sustainable aviation fuel plant in the first quarter of next year. Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Safran and Singapore Airlines signed the Global Sustainable Aviation Fuel Declaration at the Singapore Air Show in February. In Japan, the government aims to have airlines replace 10% of their jet fuel with eco-friendlier alternatives by 2030.

Last month, engine manufacture Pratt & Whitney successfully tested its GTF Advantage engine configuration with 100% SAF at its West Palm Beach facility in the U.S., a critical step forward in producing 100% SAF operation of GTF-powered aircraft. The test program is a key element in readying the GTF Advantage for entry into service in 2024 by validating the engine’s performance on 100% SAF in thrust transients, starting and operability.

“We are thrilled to have successfully tested the GTF Advantage engine on unblended SAF,” said Pratt & Whitney chief sustainability officer, Graham Webb. “The GTF Advantage represents the greenest, lowest emission engine in the industry. It is demonstrating full operational capability for the greenest aviation fuels of today and tomorrow. Operation on 100% SAF is a key component of the industry’s commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and the completion of these tests brings us closer to that goal.”

In his latest media update, International Air Transport Association (IATA) senior vice president Environment and Sustainability, Sebastian Mikosz, said despite the tragedy of the war in Ukraine and rising fuel prices, aviation must not forget about the industry’s environmental challenges. “Flying net zero is a fiendishly difficult task that will happen because of systematic, small steps we will pursue.” To reach net zero emissions for aviation by 2050, the sector will require around 450 billion litres of SAF, he said.