1st European Summit on CO₂-based Aviation Fuels – Sustainable Strategies & Solutions

The aviation summit will take place one day prior to the 8th edition of the established “Conference on Carbon Dioxide as Feedstock for Fuels, Chemistry and Polymers”, 24-25 March, 2020, Cologne, Germany.

The vital question for the future of aviation is: how do we tackle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from aviation and their serious impact on the climate? There are not many options available. Electric-driven aviation is, for the next decades, only suitable for short distance flights. The use of bio-based kerosene is confronted by NGOs as “putting unacceptable pressures on natural resources, such as forests and land”. It is also hampered by quality and standard issues for different biomass sources and conversion processes.

A big hope are aviation fuels based on the utilisation of CO₂ and green hydrogen: CO₂ as a GHG is not only the problem, it can also be part of the solution. Essential is the capture and re-use of CO₂ – meeting the challenge of climate change in aviation requires a circular use of CO₂. And fortunately, a global market is waiting for those who are helping the airlines to meet the requirements of the Paris Climate Agreement.

Improving the efficiency of aircraft by an expected annual average of 1.5% is going to limit GHG-emissions, but will surely not be sufficient. In addition, such measures would have to consider and include existing aircraft as well. Therefore, the development of an economically viable production of CO₂-based aviation fuels, also called Power-to-Liquid (PtL) or E-Fuels, is the most promising pathway for cleaner air transport.

There are still many questions to be answered. What is the best technology? How to provide cost effective green energy, hydrogen and CO₂? What are the best strategies to implement CO₂-based aviation fuels? What about the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme (CORSIA) and the European Emissions Trading System (ETS)? How to ensure aviation standards are met? What is required politically in terms of regulations and international support?

If these questions and the sustainability of aviation is your concern, the “1st European Summit on CO₂-based Aviation Fuels” 23 March, 2020, Cologne, Germany, is the event to attend. This summit is for decision makers in politics, organisations, airlines and the respective industries. You are cordially invited by the International Association for Sustainable Aviation (IASA) and nova-Institute to take part in this essential summit.

 
The aviation summit is one day prior to the 8th edition of the established “Conference on Carbon Dioxide as Feedstock for Fuels, Chemistry and Polymers”, 24-25 March, 2020, Cologne, Germany (http://co2-chemistry.eu/). Combined tickets are available.

Source: nova-Institute, press release, 2019-10-30.