TUESDAY DEC 24, 2024
×
Search AeroXplorer
E-Kerosene: The Fuel Disrupting Sustainable Aviation

E-Kerosene: The Fuel Disrupting Sustainable Aviation

BY LUKAS WOERNER Published on February 28, 2024 0 COMMENTS

This month, the University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside) released a bold strategy to promote and achieve carbon-neutral air travel. One of the professors at the university, Mihri Ozkan, released her findings in a paper published by iScience, in which she explains that e-kerosene could be a sustainable alternative to traditional aircraft fuels.

 

Photo: Daniel Mena | AeroXplorer

 

The call for de-carbonization efforts across various industrial lines has risen recently, specifically with air travel. Topically, singer Taylor Swift has lately been the focus of criticisms towards the hefty carbon footprint of air travel, drawing increased attention to the carbon emissions through traditional jet fuel. Carbon credit dispersion efforts have been in place by various airlines for over a decade to help offset the environmental impact of some air travel. Still, sustainability groups and scientists have been looking at fuel alternatives to aid sustainability efforts.  

 



ADVERTISEMENT • REMOVE ALL ADS

 

According to the paper, e-kerosene can be produced via electrolysis and used in airplane engines without major engineering modifications. The electrolysis process of converting water into hydrogen can be created in power plants run by sustainable forms of energy, including solar, wind, and geothermal sources. Unlike the current leading aircraft fuel, e-kerosene can be produced without carbon emissions. Current electric and hydrogen aircraft in development are more sustainable than traditional aircraft. However, production estimates do not see these consistently operating until the late 2030s.

 

Photo: Peter Cuthbert | AeroXplorer

 

The e-kerosene product is currently at around $8 per gallon, over twice the cost of conventional fuel. An optimistic hope of the sustainability effort is that the price will go down with increased demand and scaling of the e-kerosene development process. Scientists believe that when a sustainable and affordable price for the product can be found, the airline consumer will not see an increased ticket price.

 

Other transit industries, such as maritime shipping and rail transport, have continued their own research on sustainable fuels and green technologies. UCR’s findings indicate that sustainable fuel alternatives continue gaining media attention and will likely be in the marketplace in the next decade. An industry shift and federal regulation toward green efforts will revolutionize how air travel will look for future generations.  

 



ADVERTISEMENT • REMOVE ALL ADS

 AeroXplorer is on Telegram! Subscribe to the AeroXplorer Telegram Channel to receive aviation news updates as soon as they are released. View Channel 

Comments (0)

Add Your Comment

SHARE

TAGS

INFORMATIONAL Sustainability Sustainable Aviation Innovation Future Science Technology

RECENTLY PUBLISHED

Ethiopian Airlines Expands Fleet with Second Airbus A350-1000 Ethiopian Airlines, Ethiopia's national carrier, has taken delivery of its second Airbus A350-1000, registered as ET-BAX. This advanced aircraft is powered by Trent XWB-97 engines, further solidifying the airline’s commitment to modernizing its fleet. NEWS READ MORE »
Porter Airlines Launches Seasonal Montréal-Fort Myers Route In addition to the Montréal-Fort Myers route, Porter offers non-stop flights to Fort Myers from Toronto Pearson and Ottawa, expanding its network to meet the growing demand for convenient travel options. NEWS READ MORE »
Kenya Airways Renews Codeshare Agreement with China Eastern Airlines Kenya Airways has renewed its codeshare agreement with China Eastern Airlines, reaffirming its commitment to providing seamless connectivity between Africa and China. NEWS READ MORE »


SHOP

$2999
NEW!AeroXplorer Aviation Sweater Use code AVGEEK for 10% off! BUY NOW

FOLLOW US ONLINE