The Role of Synthetic Fuels in Decarbonizing Aviation
The aviation industry is at a critical juncture in its efforts to combat climate change. As one of the fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions, the sector faces mounting pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and transition to more sustainable practices. While electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft hold promise for the future, they are not yet viable for long-haul flights, which account for the majority of aviation emissions. In the meantime, synthetic fuels —also known as e-fuels or power-to-liquid fuels —are emerging as a key solution for decarbonizing aviation in the near to medium term. These fuels offer a way to significantly reduce emissions without requiring drastic changes to existing aircraft or infrastructure. Illustration highlighting the potential of synthetic fuels in reducing carbon emissions and decarbonizing the aviation industry. What Are Synthetic Fuels? Synthetic fuels are artificially produced fuels that mimic the properties o...