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PtX Lab briefing ‘Fit for Zero – Climate-neutral European aviation by 2050’ presents solutions for German and European aviation.
Climate-neutral European aviation by mid-century is feasible. This is the conclusion reached by the staff of PtX Lab Lausitz in their latest publication ‘Fit for Zero – Climate-neutral aviation by 2050’. They examined European climate protection efforts and used them to derive the future consequences for Germany and Europe. According to the policy brief, however, climate neutrality within the given time frame is only realistic if far-reaching measures are taken immediately.
On 26 September 2024, co-author and coordinator of the PtX Lab working group on aviation, Dr. Sören Schwuchow, provided insights into the results of the study as part of the PtX Lab Talk series of events. He and the authors Felix Schmermer, Jessica Nagamichi and Dr.-Ing. Sebastian Voswinckel, as well as the management team of PtX Lab Lausitz, Anita Demuth and Dr. Harry Lehmann, propose, among other things, replacing fossil fuels entirely with sustainable alternatives such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and power-to-liquid (PtL) kerosene.
Fit for Zero — Climate-neutral aviation by 2050
PtX Lab Briefing | 09/2024 I Topic: Aviation I 13 Pages
Embedding measures in a reliable regulatory framework
Climate neutrality in European aviation should primarily be achieved by replacing fossil fuels with less climate-damaging alternatives. By mid-century, 70 per cent of aviation fuels in Europe must be of non-fossil origin. However, this alone will not be enough to transform the sector.
Fossil fuels must be completely replaced and the formation of condensation trail cirrus clouds must be avoided. The policy brief identifies several steps. The authors do not focus solely on technical aspects. They also consider the financial regulatory framework and other modes of transport.
To achieve climate-neutral aviation by 2050, the sustainability requirements for aviation must be significantly increased. However, these measures alone are not enough if sufficient production capacities for SAF are not also available.
The policy brief provides specific recommendations for action
To ensure that European aviation can become climate-neutral by the middle of the century, it is also necessary to sufficient production capacities for sustainable fuels must be established and research into the reduction of non-CO2 effects must be intensified. The paper also identifies the following specific political steps:
- Support reduced flight activity to lower transformation costs through alternative modes of transport
- Ensure high sustainability requirements for imports as well
- Avoid rebound effect for fossil fuels by reducing supply
About the PtX Lab Briefing
The PtX Lab Briefing ‘Fit for Zero – Climate-neutral European aviation by 2050’ was prepared by the PtX Lab working group on aviation and published in September 2024. The working group is addressing all aspects of aviation on the path to climate neutrality. The 13-page publication was produced under the leadership of Dr Sören Schwuchow and Felix Schmermer, the coordinators of the PtX Lab working group.
About PtX Lab Talk #11
The latest publication of PtX Lab Lausitz was presented at PtX Lab Talk #11 on the topic ‘Fit for Zero – Climate-neutral aviation by 2050’. The guests were Ewa Oney, Member of the European Commission, and Francesco Catte, Aviation Policy Manager at Transport & Environment (T&E). They began by presenting their own perspectives and then discussed obstacles and solutions on the road to climate-neutral flying with the more than 70 participants.
Video recording of the Lab Talk #11
You can watch all the presentations and the subsequent discussion with participants in the video recording of the event.
