Regional pathways for all-electric aircraft to reduce aviation sector greenhouse gas emissions

Authors: Jacob Eaton, Mohammad Naraghi, James G. Boyd

Publication Date: 17 July 2024

Category: Electric and Hybrid Propulsion Systems

Article Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306261924012145

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.123831

Abstract (Official): Forecasted growth in aviation sector emissions has motivated research into reduced-emissions aircraft designs. All-electric aircraft (AEA) are of unique interest due to negligible in-flight emissions. In contrast to fuel-based aircraft, AEA emissions vary depending on power sector emissions intensity at point of departure. The present work identifies regional pathways for future AEA to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through use of novel energy and emissions models spanning the entirety of the domestic commercial aviation sector across eight separate scenarios considering different emerging battery cells and emissions scenarios. While regions with high power sector emissions intensity are ill-suited for future electrification, clear regional potential for future AEA is demonstrated, with flight networks in the Pacific Northwest, California, and the East Coast. Airports in cities such as Atlanta and Washington, D.C. are clear potential candidates for future AEA hubs, while electrifying flights between Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington offers greatest potential impact.

GAT Editor’s Comments:

– All-electric aircraft (AEA) are of unique interest for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in aviation due to negligible in-flight emissions
– Problem: electrification of the aviation sector is currently unviable because modern batteries offer comparatively poor specific energy compared to aviation fuel, and the requisite battery specific energy for commercial aviation exceeds present-day capabilities by a substantial margin
– Also: regions with high power sector emissions intensity are ill-suited for future electrification
– Additional research also needed in airframe designs to reduce takeoff weight