Navigating the Aviation Fuel Transition: Lessons from Keflavík Airport Study
Key Ideas
  • Airports worldwide are under increasing pressure to shift away from fossil fuels, with up to 70% of carbon emissions linked to landing and take-off cycles.
  • Legislation and incentives are driving the global transition to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with ambitious targets set in various regions by 2050.
  • Hydrogen and electricity are emerging as viable aviation fuel alternatives, with successful tests showcasing the potential of hydrogen combustion in commercial aircraft.
  • Keflavík Airport in Iceland is proactively preparing for the fuel transition, with a comprehensive future fuels readiness study completed to guide infrastructure changes from 2023 to 2050.
The aviation industry is undergoing a significant shift towards sustainable fuels driven by legislation, incentives, and technological advancements. With up to 70% of carbon emissions at airports attributed to landing and take-off cycles, the pressure to transition away from fossil fuels is mounting. The use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is being promoted globally, with the UK, European Union, and the USA setting ambitious targets for SAF usage by 2050. Additionally, the industry is exploring alternative fuels like hydrogen and electricity, with successful tests on hydrogen combustion demonstrating its potential for commercial aviation. Keflavík Airport in Iceland, recognizing the importance of preparing for the fuel transition, conducted a future fuels readiness study in collaboration with industry partners. The study identified key infrastructure changes needed at the airport from 2023 to 2050 to support the adoption of sustainable fuels and phase out fossil jet fuel. The study focused on forecasting fuel demand, estimating required infrastructure changes, and ensuring compliance with mandated SAF blend rates. Key changes identified for Keflavík Airport include expanding the electricity network for aircraft charging and implementing hydrogen transportation and storage facilities. The successful implementation of the future fuels readiness study at Keflavík Airport serves as a template for other airports looking to transition to sustainable fuels. The proactive approach taken by the airport highlights the importance of industry coordination and strategic planning in addressing carbon emissions in the aviation sector. Overall, the article emphasizes the positive outlook towards the aviation fuel transition and the need for coordinated efforts to achieve a sustainable future in air travel.
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