Standardized LH2, LNG, SAF cost / environmental impact assessment

Abstract

All member airlines of the “International Air Transport Association” (IATA) committed themselves to “reach net zero carbon emissions” by the year 2050 , how to measure and how to achieve is still to be defined. One solution is seen for fuel-producing companies to provide large scale, cost-competitive sustainable aviation fuels to the market. Efficient biomass utilization will be required to comply with the regulatory initiative ReFuelEU Aviation, hydrogen from renewable power generation might be added. Another approach representing a radical technological change is the introduction of LH2 as aviation fuel together with fuel cell propulsion systems, especially for regional level flights with smaller aircraft. A third option, liquid methane in turbofan-powered aircrafts would be less radical than LH2 as aviation fuel and more likely to achieve for long-haul flying in a shorter term. However, climate-neutrality of alternative fuel production must be ensured, addressing its non-CO2 emissions during burning and the environmental impact of any leakage, especially in high altitude. The methodology of techno-economic and environmental assessment will be applied to compare different pathways towards sustainable aviation. We present the methodology to assess these options fair and transparent simultaneously technically, economically as well as environmentally for comparison and selection. A detailed discussion of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and propulsion systems prospects will be presented. The techno-economic and environmental assessment indicates the most beneficial geographical areas in Europe for large-scale SAF production. ReFuelEU Aviation targets are achievable valorizing waste biomass and renewable electricity. Immediate investment decisions are required to have sufficient production capacity on stream by 2030 and further down towards 2035. Regarding radical technological changes like hydrogen aviation using fuel cell propulsion systems, the potential environmental benefits are discussed.