Targeted use of paraffinic kerosene: Potentials and implications

Abstract

The contrail radiative forcing integrated over contrail evolution is simulated for a reference fleet powered with conventional kerosene. 5% of overall kerosene demand assumed to be paraffinic kerosene is allocated via a uniform, a flight-specific and a segment-specific approach. The uniform allocation assumes that all flights receive the same blend of 5% paraffinic kerosene. The other cases target 100 % paraffinic kerosene either to flights or segments with highest contrail energy forcing. Compared to the reference, the results indicate a reduction on contrail energy forcing by 4%, 36% and 55%, respectively. For market shares of paraffinic kerosene up to 30%, a segment specific allocation appears advantageous compared to a flight specific allocation. However, they might require airport and aircraft modifications. Uncertainties in contrail climate benefits can be reduced by providing additional information on kerosene properties and accurate meteorological data. Overall, this study highlights robust potentials of paraffinic kerosene to significantly reduce the climate forcing from aviation.