Decarbonising Aviation
Can flying become a sustainable way to travel across Aotearoa if we re-imagine how planes are powered? Ara Ake has conducted an in-depth technical analysis on three options to replace fossil-based jet fuel: green hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel and electrochemical batteries.
The Challenge
Domestic aviation in New Zealand contributes close to 3% of energy sector emissions and over 1% of national gross emissions. The sector hascommitted to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) target of net zero by 2050. To meet this ambitious goal, three key technical propulsion options are being explored to replace jet fuel: green hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and electrochemical batteries.
Transitioning to low emissions aviation
Ara Ake has released an independent, order of magnitude analysis titled “Transitioning to low emissions domestic aviation in New Zealand: A detailed technical options analysis.” This report provides an in-depth look at the potential for these technical options to decarbonise New Zealand’s domestic aviation network.
While the physics of these alternatives look promising, significant challenges remain. These include:
- Technical limitations
- Infrastructure requirements
- Economic viability
- Regulatory barriers
Currently, most of these technologies and industries are in the pre-commercial stage on the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale. Whether the future lies in green hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel, or a combination of both, collaboration between industry and government is critical. By working together, we can overcome these barriers and make low-emissions domestic travel a reality for Kiwis and visitors exploring Aotearoa.
Read the report:
Transitioning to low emissions domestic aviation in New Zealand: A detailed technical options analysis.
Decarbonising Aviation webinar
To further explore the findings of the report, Ara Ake hosted a webinar on Wednesday, 12 June 2024. The session covered:
- An overview of domestic aviation emissions and the technical options - and their challenges - to reduce them, including green hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and batteries for powering aircraft across the domestic network.
- Air New Zealand’s decarbonisation targets and strategies were outlined, such as their net zero 2050 target and the five decarbonisation levers.
- The role of the NZ Airports Association was discussed, alongside airports' efforts to reduce their own emissions and provide infrastructure to support industry decarbonisation.
- Wellington Airport's sustainability strategy was covered, as well as learnings from their hydrogen trial and the airport’s role in the NZ Next Gen Aircraft Project.
- A concluding note of confidence from NREL on how efficiency gains can help aviation reduce emissions and costs, setting the sector up well for future decarbonisation progress.
See the recording below.
