An assessment of the potential of alternative fuels for “greening” commercial air transportation

Abstract

This paper deals with an assessment of the potential of conventional (oil-kerosene) Jet-A1/8 and alternative synthetic & biomass-derived SPK (Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene) and LH2 (Liquid Hydrogen) fuels for “greening” commercial air transportation through reducing its fuel consumption and related direct emissions of GHG (Green House Gases) in the medium- and long-term period of time. For such a purpose, the convenient analytical models for estimating this fuel consumption and corresponding direct emissions of GHG have been developed and applied according to “what-if” scenario approach. The results have shown that: i) Introducing the alternative SPK (F-T&HRJ) fuels fully (i.e., 100% replacement of Jet-A1/8 fuel) would bring only a marginal reduction of the cumulative direct emissions of CO2. Such reduction would not substantially contribute to achieving the globally agreed targets on reducing GHG emissions; and ii) Introducing the alternative LH2 fuel would almost immediately bring rather substantive reduction of the cumulative emissions of CO2. If such introduction started earlier, it would contribute to achieving the globally agreed targets on reducing emissions of GHG during given period.