Comparative energy and environmental assessment of battery technologies and alternative fuels in sustainable aviation

Abstract

ABSTRACT The aviation industry is one of the greatest sources of increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and one of the most climate-intensive modes of transportation. For these reasons, the aviation industry faces significant challenges including fuel costs, along with environmental and energy security problems arising from the use of petroleum-based jet fuel. At present, there are numerous strategies to improve energy efficiency, while also tackling environmental problems, including alternative fuel solutions and innovative battery technologies. Alternative fuels are attractive because they help address energy and environmental challenges, allowing for the advancement of sustainable aviation. They hold the potential to improve air quality and slow down global climate changes, while expanding access to domestic energy sources with the diversification of fuel supplies. Alternative fuels may also contribute to price and supply stability, and help to stimulate economic development in rural communities. Electrification and decarbonization of aircrafts also offer numerous advantages, including less energy consumption, lower GHG emissions, less noise production compared to conventional aircrafts, and more reliable electric subsystems. However, production rates of available sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technologies can meet only a portion of the market size of the commercial aviation industry. Similarly, short-range all-electric aircrafts, while having great potential to reduce environmental impacts, will still require significant improvements in battery technologies to remain cost-competitive. The purpose of this study is to make a comparative assessment of alternative fuels used in the aviation industry and electric aircrafts designed in accordance with battery technologies for the purpose of emission reduction. According to the case study discussed herein, it can be concluded that SAFs used in commercial airplanes offer a long term, environment-friendly solution, while battery technologies require further developments for safety and reliability. In addition, it is necessary to investigate the operational parameters of batteries such as energy density, weight, operating temperature and battery recycling, and to analyze environmental effects and emission release of battery technologies from production to recycling of batteries, for a more comprehensive understanding of the environmental implications of this latter proposed solution to solve the current negative consequences of a booming aviation industry.