How feasible are different energy sources in ensuring an effective transition to sustainable
Specific CDM Topic
aviation?
The new Baccalauréat Français International Connaissance du Monde program requires one to research a topic that they find truly captivating and find international partners to further deepen their research.
As part of the first class to participate in this new program, I am proud to be researching the future of sustainable aviation.
This article I wrote for the American Section annual Compas Magazine explores my passion for the subject:
” I have chosen to evaluate how the aviation industry is changing to support greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and analyze the possible green future of the sector with new energy sources. The sustainable development of next-generation aircraft technology, from VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) and experimental aircraft to widebody airliners, hinges on the rapid development of electric, hydrogen, and SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) energy sources, which have a long way to come. The transition to electric aircraft, the only type of aircraft that does not produce any climate change-causing contrails, might be a great challenge. Not only must battery technology advance immensely to operate longer flights, but governments will have to raise jet fuel prices or reduce electricity prices to make flights economical. Additionally, it is crucial to upgrade the electric grid to be more renewable and be able to charge thousands of aircraft throughout the day. Most analysts, therefore, agree that SAF’s predicted short-term use as a ‘drop-in’ fuel will slowly be replaced with electric, hydrogen, or hybrid propulsion systems for longer and longer routes as the next few decades unfold.
Investigating the future of aviation is incredibly important, as not only does the sector represent over 2% of global CO2 emissions, but the total climate change impact is estimated to be as high as 5% of global radiative forcing contributions. Moreover, the industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 3.1%, despite the lasting traffic dip due to covid-19. On the other hand, the production of SAF is generally more costly than road-vehicle-destined biofuels, signaling a need for legislative accompaniment and immense investment.
Sustainable aviation is a subject I am incredibly interested in. First of all, as of writing, I am at an advanced stage of training for my private pilot’s license. I wish to continue my training on route to becoming a flight instructor on my off-time. Furthermore, I am planning to study aerospace engineering later on. “
The “about” section on my Linkedin page further explains my love for aviation and STEM.