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Is a carbon-free aviation industry really possible?

6 episodes

1

“We must reduce air travel to meet the Paris Climate Agreement”
2

How can aviation possibly meet climate targets?
3

Fly easy with better aerodynamics
4

Biofuels, an alternative that is still too expensive
5

Aviation: can hydrogen live up to the hype?
6

“Pandemic: extra time to reduce CO2 emissions of aviation sector”

Épisode 1/6

“We must reduce air travel to meet the Paris Climate Agreement”

Cécile Michaut, Science journalist

On February 2nd, 2021

3 min reading time

Aurélien Bigo

Research Associate of the Energy and Prosperity Chair at Institut Louis Bachelier

Key takeaways

Even though fuel consumption per passenger has decreased fourfold since 1960, emissions are still increasing due to the long-term growth of the aviation industry.
In his PhD thesis for École Polytechnique, Aurélien Bigo has studied the ways in which France’s transport industry can meet its 2050 carbon neutral targets.
He believes that technical advances will not be enough – a profound change in the way we travel is required.
He suggests thinking in terms of emissions per transport time – 90kg CO₂/h for air travel versus 0.6kg CO₂/h for rail travel.
According to his study, only by reducing traffic can we decrease emissions and meet the Paris Climate Agreement.

Épisode 2/6

How can aviation possibly meet climate targets?

On October 25th, 2022

4 min reading time

Jérôme Fontane

Lecturer in the Aerodynamics, Energetics and Propulsion Department of ISAE-SUPAERO

Thomas Planès

PhD student at ISAE-SUPAERO

Key takeaways

The aviation industry currently accounts for 2.6% of global CO₂ emissions, highlighting the need for decarbonisation.
Improving energy efficiency and using low-carbon fuels for the fleet are important tools for reducing carbon emissions.
The most promising scenarios, however, are limited by the availability of energy resources.
Non-CO2 effects are a lever for reduction, but they have a short-term impact on the climate, unlike CO2 which warms the climate in the long term.
Other environmental issues must also be taken into account, while rethinking certain socio-economic data such as aircraft use.

Épisode 3/6

Fly easy with better aerodynamics

Cécile Michaut, Science journalist

On February 2nd, 2021

3 min reading time

Marie Couliou

Research scientist at ONERA and temporary lecturer at the Institut Polytechnique de Paris

Key takeaways

Each kilogram of kerosene saved is equivalent to 3.16 kg less CO₂.
Making planes more aerodynamic is one way to reduce fuel consumption and, therefore, carbon emissions.
Modifying the configuration of aircraft or flying in a “V” formation like a flock of birds, Marie Couliou, a researcher at aerospace lab ONERA, explains new avenues to improve aerodynamics.

Épisode 4/6

Biofuels, an alternative that is still too expensive

Cécile Michaut, Science journalist

On February 2nd, 2021

3 min reading time

Samuel Saysset

Lead techno advisor at ENGIE Research

Jean-Philippe Héraud

Process engineer at IFP Energies nouvelles

Paul Mannes

director of Total Aviation, in charge of the worldwide business line

Jérôme Bonini

Research and Technology Director, Safran aircraft engines

Key takeaways

Biofuels provide an option to help the aviation industry reduce its carbon footprint.
Current aeroplane models can run on jet fuel that contains 30-50% biokerosene.
To avoid competing with food supplies, biomass composed of waste and residue is the focus of industrial processes to produce biofuels.
At prices that are 1.5-2 times higher than kerosene, the cost remains a hurdle if biofuels are to remain competitive in comparison to fossil fuels.

Épisode 5/6

Aviation: can hydrogen live up to the hype?

On February 2nd, 2021

4 min reading time

Johnny Deschamps

Professor at the Chemistry and Processes Unit (UCP) at ENSTA Paris (IP Paris)

Samuel Saysset

Lead techno advisor at ENGIE Research

Key takeaways

Hydrogen seems to be the only fuel that is both “clean” and suitable for the aviation industry of tomorrow.
Airbus has announced three concepts for hydrogen planes for 2035 and many start-ups are also working on solutions.
The French government has committed to investing more than €7bn in the hydrogen industry by 2030.
Before this project can really take off, there are many problems to solve, including hydrogen storage, production and cost.

Épisode 6/6

“Pandemic: extra time to reduce CO2 emissions of aviation sector”

James Bowers, Chief editor at Polytechnique Insights

On February 2nd, 2021

3 min reading time

Venetia Baden-Powell

Equity research associate at Goldman Sachs

Key takeaways

Goldman Sachs recently published a report regarding the EU aviation industry, “The decarbonisation toolkit and what it will mean for airlines.”
In it, they say that the aviation industry has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, with a ~70% drop in European air traffic, receiving over ~$160 billion in aid and 10-30% layoffs of employees.
Pre-pandemic aviation was responsible for 4% of CO₂ emissions in Europe, which fell to 2% in 2020.
Some bailouts will have green conditions attached, such as Air France who have been imposed a reduction of 50% emissions per passenger per km by 2030.
With investment from the EU, the team expects to see a 15% transfer of air traffic to rail.

Contributors

Cécile Michaut

Science journalist

Cécile Michaut holds a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Paris-XI Orsay. She was a lecturer for two years before branching off into science journalism in 1999. Her collaborations include Le Monde, La Recherche, Pour la Science, Science et vie, Sciences et Avenir, Environnement Magazine... She also teaches science communication and media training for several research organisations and universities. She founded the company Science et partage (www.scienceetpartage.fr), and published the book "Vulgarisation scientifique, mode d'emploi" (EDP Sciences) in 2014.

Other contributions

Hydrogen: for the hype or for the climate?

Injecting CO2 underground to reduce emissions by 15%

Carboneo, the start-up recycling CO2 into fuel

Composites for aeroplanes: light as a feather?

Fly easy with better aerodynamics

Voir toutes ses contributions

James Bowers

Chief editor at Polytechnique Insights

James Bowers has a PhD in molecular biology from the Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle and an MSc in Science Media Production from Imperial College London. He has six years of experience creating engaging scientific media in digital, TV and other outlets in the UK and France. Most recently, James worked as a science communication consultant and trainer for a French agency, Agent Majeur, for three years where he co-authored the book, Sell Your Research: Public Speaking for Scientists published by Springer.