Royal Society digs into UK’s proposed net zero aviation fuels policy

In the UK, the Royal Society has published a policy briefing analyzing the UK’s proposed net zero aviation fuels policy that takes a deep look into four available options for decarbonizing aviation in the UK, including long distance flights: biofuels, hydrogen, synthetic efuels and ammonia. The analysis looks at the different fuel options through the lens of:

·      a high enough energy density to give the range needed for up to long haul flights,

·      can be produced at scale and implemented around the world, is cost competitive,

·      can be implemented safely in the timescale required (net zero by 2050). This includes any modifications to / replacement of airframes and ground support facilities

The four fuels are analyzed using the following criteria:

·      the equivalent resources that would be required for that option to replace fossil jet fuel,

·      the life cycle analysis and non-CO2 environmental impacts,

·      the likely costs,

·      the modification or replacements needed to implement the option