The aviation industry is on track to see passenger and cargo numbers boom in the coming years.
Honeywell
The reality of a projected increase of 4.3% per annum over the next 20 years in air travel, according to the International Civil Aviation Organization, is great for the growing businesses and communities in aviation. It also means we’re bound to see an increase in the industry’s emissions.
Emissions from the aviation sector are expected to account for 3.5% of global energy-related CO2 emissions by 2030, according to the International Energy Association, surpassing their 2019 level.
To achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, rapid advancements in cutting-edge technologies and policy measures are extremely critical. Some of those solutions include:
- Power generation technologies, such as sustainable fuels and hydrogen fuel systems
- Long-duration energy storage
- Cutting-edge disruptive technologies, such as electric power, propulsion hydrogen fuel cells, and generators and turbogenerators, many of which are available or in development today
Let’s explore some of the key focus areas where we are going to see disruptive innovation aligned with the aviation roadmap to zero emissions.
Do more with sustainable aviation fuels
For a comprehensive solution, there’s a synergy to be found in running a better-designed engine on fuel that is more efficient. Why stick with petroleum-based fuels when they hinder hitting emissions targets even with more efficient engines?
Abundant biomass, such as crops and forest waste, has been proven as a low-carbon alternative for crude oil in aviation fuels. One example is Honeywell’s first-to-market process technology, Ecofining, which enables the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Today, SAF produced from the Ecofining process can be used as a drop-in replacement – no engine modifications needed – as a blend of up to 50 percent with conventional jet fuel.
The sourcing of SAF feedstocks continues to evolve. You may recognize ethanol from filling up your car at the pump. Ethanol is widely available today as a component of gasoline, and as more drivers switch to electric vehicles it will become available for other uses. That’s where Honeywell’s ethanol-to-jet process comes into play. It allows for the conversion of ethanol into a low-carbon alternative to jet fuel that is energy dense, stable, and compatible with existing infrastructure at airports.
Additionally, at Honeywell, we recently announced technology that allows for the conversion of green hydrogen – hydrogen developed from renewable power sources, like wind and solar – and carbon dioxide into electrofuels, or eFuels. This new class of SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 88% compared to conventional jet fuel.1
Thoughtfully scaling the production of renewable fuels to power 100% SAF-powered flights is imperative to help the aviation industry meet its carbon-reduction goals. That’s why multiple pathways to SAF production, combined with other solutions like innovative propulsion technologies, are needed.
Achieve further reductions with electric propulsion
When combined with renewable energy sources, electric propulsion – powering aircraft with technologies that don’t burn jet fuel, gasoline or other hydrocarbons and emit carbon dioxide into the air – provides a compelling pathway to reach net-zero emissions.
The inflection point on electric propulsion is the reason why we are witnessing the explosive growth of electric air taxis, electrified regional aircraft, and autonomous cargo aircraft with novel configurations.
At Honeywell, we are starting electrification with small, short-range aircraft that can fly between 60 and 200 miles, such as urban air mobility (UAM) and advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft. This is a testing ground to develop and mature the technology and to establish the certification pathways for motors and batteries. As battery energy density improves, so will the range of electric aircraft.
Embrace the opportunity and adaptability of hydrogen fuel cells
There is not a “one size fits all” solution for anyone’s electric power needs. That is why there is so much potential in hydrogen fuel cell technologies.
A hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system has the advantage of being able to expand the reach of battery-electric flight by three to five times.
For electric-powered aircraft, this equates to the ability to fly between cities within larger regions. It also means faster turnaround times and reduced operating costs. For regional aircraft, this means zero-emission flight over densely traveled routes of 600 to 1500 miles.
Hydrogen fuel cells only produce electricity, water and heat, making them an efficient alternative to propulsion units that use jet fuel.
Honeywell is taking a stepwise approach to the market, starting with aircraft in the uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) category – think drones that carry small cargo – which can take advantage of the fuel cell technologies for quieter and longer flights.
Hydrogen fuel cells and aviation electrification call for further innovation in infrastructure and distribution and a continued need for collaboration from the public and private sectors. The promise of hydrogen fuel cells is real – with much work ahead in research and development.
With several solutions in the market today and more innovation happening, the future of the aviation industry is one to watch – and one that will shape the way we travel and commute.
What’s next?
The increasing impact of air travel on global carbon emissions necessitates a shift towards sustainable practices. As passenger numbers continue to rise, the aerospace industry must innovate with technology such as SAF, electric propulsion, and hydrogen fuel cells. Governments have a role in providing supportive regulatory frameworks and incentives to spur the development and adoption of these sustainable technologies. Finally, collaboration among the broader ecosystem, including fuel suppliers and airports, is critical in sharing best practices and driving collective action. A joint effort is required from all parties involved in air travel to ensure a greener, more sustainable future.
[1] Reduced GHG emissions is based on Honeywell UOP carbon intensity analysis, derived from a 3rd-party study of bio-methanol production from green hydrogen and CO2 captured from biomass processing, in comparison to fossil fuels.
