GREEN FLIGHT
Down To Earth|May 01, 2023
From sustainable fuel to hydrogenpropelled engines, the aviation sector is experimenting with various technologies for a clean future
SEEMA PRASAD
GREEN FLIGHT

THE GLOBAL aviation sector consumes over one billion litres of fuel a day, according to a 2021 research paper published in IOP Science. The sector was also directly responsible for 2 per cent of the global carbon emissions in 2021, as per the International Energy Agency (IEA). “If things continue as they are, emissions from the sector will not meet net-zero targets,” says Lynnette Dray, a senior research associate at University College London who specialises in aviation emissions and airline competition.

Little wonder, the sector is exploring a host of green technologies that include cleaner fuel sourced from biomass, hydrogen and e-aircraft. The technologies are in the early stages and success will depend on several factors.

SOURCING GREEN FUEL 

This February, Indian Oil, the country’s largest aviation fuel provider, announced that at least 2 per cent of its aviation fuel by 2030 will be sourced from ethanol, a green fuel made from plant waste. The company has tied up with LanzaJet, a US-based fuel manufacturer that has a refinery in Panipat, to achieve the target.

Sustainable aviation fuels are hydrocarbon molecules sourced from plant or animal material and usually blended with conventional aviation fuel sourced from fossil fuels. The green hydrocarbon molecules are collected through a process called hydrodeoxygenation, in which oxygen and other impurities such as sulphur and nitrogen are chemically removed.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 01, 2023 من Down To Earth.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 01, 2023 من Down To Earth.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من DOWN TO EARTH مشاهدة الكل
A SPRIG TO CARE FOR
Down To Earth

A SPRIG TO CARE FOR

Punarnava, a perennial herb, is easy to grow and has huge health benefits

time-read
3 mins  |
November 01, 2024
DIGGING A DISASTER
Down To Earth

DIGGING A DISASTER

Soapstone mining near Dabti Vijaypur village has caused many residents to migrate.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 01, 2024
REVIEW THE TREATMENT
Down To Earth

REVIEW THE TREATMENT

Several faecal sludge treatment plants in Uttar Pradesh suffer from design flaws that make the treatment process both expensive and inefficient

time-read
3 mins  |
November 01, 2024
MAKE STEEL SUSTAINABLE
Down To Earth

MAKE STEEL SUSTAINABLE

As India works to double its GDP by 2030, its steel industry must balance growth with sustainability. By embracing policies like the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy 2019 and adopting green technologies, India is paving the way for a more sustainable future in steel production

time-read
4 mins  |
November 01, 2024
Can ANRF pull off the impossible for India?
Down To Earth

Can ANRF pull off the impossible for India?

Anusandhan National Research Foundation is expected to reorient India's innovation goals but funding issues, old mindsets remain a drag

time-read
4 mins  |
November 01, 2024
TROUBLED WOODS
Down To Earth

TROUBLED WOODS

Forests are a great bulwark against climate change. But this is fast changing. AKSHIT SANGOMLA travels through some of the pristine patches of the Western Ghats to explore how natural disturbances triggered by global warming now threaten the forest health

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 01, 2024
BLINDING GLOW
Down To Earth

BLINDING GLOW

The science is clear: increased illumination has damaging consequences for the health of humans, animals and plants. It’s time governments introduced policies to protect the natural darkness and improved the quality of outdoor lighting.

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 01, 2024
GROUND REALITY
Down To Earth

GROUND REALITY

What happens when the soil loses the ability to grow healthy, high-yield crops on its own?

time-read
6 mins  |
November 01, 2024
GM POLICY MUST BE FARMER CENTRIC
Down To Earth

GM POLICY MUST BE FARMER CENTRIC

On July 23, the Supreme Court of India directed the Union government to develop a national policy on genetically modified (GM) crops for research, cultivation, trade and commerce through public consultation.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 01, 2024
Vinchurni's Gandhi
Down To Earth

Vinchurni's Gandhi

A 96-year-old farmer transforms barren land into a thriving forest in drought-prone region of Satara

time-read
2 mins  |
November 01, 2024