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New Energy World™
New Energy World™ embraces the whole energy industry as it connects and converges to address the decarbonisation challenge. It covers progress being made across the industry, from the dynamics under way to reduce emissions in oil and gas, through improvements to the efficiency of energy conversion and use, to cutting-edge initiatives in renewable and low-carbon technologies.
Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced at airports
26/10/2022
News
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from commercial aircraft refuelling activities could be reduced by up to 90%, a new report from the Energy Institute (EI) has found.
Action the aviation sector can take now to reduce GHG emissions when refuelling commercial aircraft has been identified in a recently published research report from the EI.
The findings, collated by global environmental consultancy Ricardo, document the GHG emissions associated with aircraft refuelling at a large commercial case study airport and estimate the emissions for the same fuelling operations using alternative approaches.
The study found that the largest reduction in emissions can be achieved through the adoption of fully electric hydrant dispensers and refuellers, and where operationally feasible, the use of hydrant carts for servicing narrow-bodied aircraft. Using sustainably sourced renewable diesel may also provide an impactful short-term option in some locations, the report has found.
The study assessed the use of latest generation diesel-powered vehicles, engine off technology for hydrant dispensers, the use of hydrogenated vegetable oil, the deployment of hydrant carts for refuelling narrow-body aircraft, the use of electrically-powered pump off for refuellers and the adoption of fully electric hydrant dispensers and refuellers.
Commenting on the findings of the study, Head of Good Practice for Fuels and Fuel Handling at the EI, Martin Hunnybun MEI, said: ‘Although the emissions created by fuelling commercial aircraft are a small fraction of total emissions from aviation, they can be reduced rapidly using technologies that are available today. This report provides a benchmark to help stakeholders assess which measures would produce the largest emissions reductions in refuelling operations, aiding the sector in its drive for net zero by 2050.’
