Recent research led by Gunnar Quante from the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) has revealed promising strategies for reducing the climate impact of aviation, particularly through the targeted use of paraffinic kerosene. Published in the journal Atmospheric Environment: X, the study highlights how the aviation sector, a significant contributor to climate change, can mitigate its effects by altering the type of fuel used in aircraft.
Aviation is responsible for a large portion of anthropogenic climate change, primarily through emissions of CO2, NOx, and the formation of contrails, which have been identified as the largest single contributor to the radiative forcing from this sector. The research indicates that by using kerosene with fewer or no aromatics—commonly referred to as Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)—airlines can significantly reduce the climate impact of contrails. However, the availability of such fuels remains limited.
Quante’s study analyzed over 844,000 flight trajectories from five major European airports in 2019, focusing on how a targeted allocation of paraffinic kerosene could be implemented. The research considered three allocation methods: a uniform approach where all flights use the same blend of 5% paraffinic kerosene, a flight-specific method targeting the highest emitters, and a segment-specific approach aimed at specific flight segments with the greatest contrail energy forcing.
The findings are compelling. The study suggests that using paraffinic kerosene could reduce contrail energy forcing by 4% with a uniform allocation, 36% with a flight-specific allocation, and up to 55% with a segment-specific allocation. Quante noted, “For market shares of paraffinic kerosene up to 30%, a segment-specific allocation appears advantageous compared to a flight-specific allocation.”
This research presents commercial opportunities for fuel manufacturers and airlines. As the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, the development of sustainable fuel options and targeted strategies for their deployment could be a significant competitive advantage. Airlines that adopt these practices may not only improve their environmental performance but could also appeal to a growing base of eco-conscious consumers and investors.
However, the implementation of these strategies may require modifications to airport infrastructure and aircraft systems to accommodate the new fuel types. Quante emphasizes that reducing uncertainties in the climate benefits of contrail mitigation can be achieved through better information on kerosene properties and accurate meteorological data.
In summary, the targeted use of paraffinic kerosene offers a viable pathway for the aviation industry to address its climate impact, aligning with broader sustainability goals. As Quante’s research illustrates, the potential for significant reductions in contrail climate forcing could pave the way for a more sustainable future in air travel, making it a critical area for investment and innovation.
