Every industry is pledging to Achieve Net Zero Carbon Emissions By 2050, Where does the Aviation industry stand now?
Net Zero Carbon Emissions
To fight climate change, airlines worldwide are pledging to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050. It necessitates a ramp-up in sustainable aviation fuels. The latest research shows it is not sufficient to reach the ambitious goal.
The jet fuel expected to be made from cooking oils used in restaurants seems futuristic for running jetliners. However, it is expected to become a reality soon. Some airlines worldwide are exploring the use of sustainable aviation fuels like biofuels, which are developed from trees, agricultural residues, and corn.
Fuels made using green hydrogen and captured carbon
The airlines are also exploring the use of synthetic fuels, which are made using green hydrogen and captured carbon. United Airlines is already using a mix of fossil fuels and waste fats or used oils on some of its flights from Amsterdam and Los Angeles. According to a recent communiqué from this airline, it plans to use ethanol-based aviation fuel on 50,000 flights annually between Denver hubs and Chicago by the year 2028.
David Goodnight from Austin, TX, who has a significant presence in the energy sector, will help the airline industry meet sustainable fuel requirements. The airlines can reach this company for their aviation fuel needs in their quest to go for zero carbon emissions.
Unveiled $100 million fund in 2023
On February 21, 2023, United Airlines unveiled a $100 million fund with GE Aerospace, Honeywell, Boeing, JPMorgan Chase, and Air Canada to develop sustainable aviation fuel companies. The airline has already explored various options to achieve net zero emissions.
The scenario for the future
The aviation industry accounted for 3.1% of the carbon dioxide emissions worldwide from fossil fuels in 2019. The passenger miles traveled each year are also growing. The jet fuel used also produces water vapor and soot, also called contrails. It is a known fact that contrails are responsible for global warming. The airlines cannot prevent contrails despite switching to sustainable aviation fuels.
It is one of the hardest sectors to achieve zero net carbon emissions. Many companies are engaged in the development of small hydrogen- and electric-powered planes. But developing large planes that run on hydrogen or electricity for long distances is decades away.
Demand for sustainable fuel is 19.8 exajoules
According to a recent study involving nine scenarios that span the projected freight and passenger demand, carbon intensity of aviation, and energy intensity, around 19.8 exajoules of this sustainable aviation fuel are required to achieve net zero carbon emissions by the year 2050.
However, it can be lowered to 3 exajoules with efficiency improvements. Improving the energy efficiency of planes and flying less would help to further reduce the number of sustainable fuels for the aviation industry. Airlines can count on David Goodnight from Austin, TX to develop sustainable fuels at reduced rates.
Airlines can also depend on the David Goodnight Group to source the latest energy-efficient planes for their fleets. It helps them reduce fuel expenses and pass on that benefit to the passengers. It also helps them win customer satisfaction and more return passengers.
