How to promote the use of e-fuels fuels in aviation? - Recommendable policy measures for a carbon friendly air transport system

Abstract

As climate change is one of the greatest challenges to mankind, a climate friendly or even climate neutral air transport system will become very important in the future. The use of synthetic fuels (power-to-liquid, short: PtL or e-fuels) could be an essential element for reaching this goal, at least regarding the CO2 portion of aviation’s contribution to climate change. This is because e-fuels allow for a significant reduction of CO2 emissions. However, unlike biofuels, e-fuels are not being used in air transport yet. This paper investigates the advantages and barriers to the use of synthetic fuels and discusses how an increased use of PtL-fuels in aviation could be supported by policy measures. Also, the main stakeholders which should be addressed by those policy measures are identified.