(Berlin) - Just in time for the opening of the International Aerospace Exhibition ILA in Berlin this Wednesday, the federal government has submitted interdepartmental proposals to shorten the long path to climate-neutral aviation. “With our four-stage funding, we cover the entire development cycle: from basic research into climate-neutral fuels to drive and system funding,” said the Federal Government’s coordinator for German aerospace, Anna Christmann, and the Parliamentary State Secretary at the presentation in the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), Oliver Luksic.
Efforts on sustainable fuels required
Accordingly, “significant efforts” are required, among other things, to ramp up the market and promote sustainably produced aviation fuels (Sustainable Aviation Fuels, SAF), including CO2-neutral, electricity-based propulsion systems (Power-to-Liquid, PtL). 
The necessary measures concern, among other things, improving aircraft efficiency and technological change (“disruptive measures”). This includes the development of climate-neutral powertrains based on hydrogen and fuel cell technology as well as the promotion of the manufacturer and supplier industry along the entire value chain, such as providing a testing and development environment for hydrogen technologies, especially for small and medium-sized companies.
More emphasis on climate in aviation research
The areas of research and development for aviation and the aviation industry should be focused on technologies that contribute to reducing the climate impact of air traffic. Particular attention is being paid to the aviation research program (LuFo) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, which will give more weight to the aspect of sustainability when selecting the funded projects in a new funding call “LuFo Klima VI-3”. In addition, the Hydrogen Innovation and Technology Center (ITZ), which is currently being implemented, will offer services for hydrogen and fuel cell applications for flight operations at the North location (Hamburg, Bremen, Stade).
Federal fleet as anchor customer for PtL
As part of a PtL roadmap jointly drawn up by the federal government, states and industry in 2019, a number of climate-promoting measures are now to be examined. This includes adding PtL kerosene to the federal fleet “in order to contribute to the market ramp-up as a precursor and anchor customer,” says the paper. In addition, “ambitious quotas” for PtL kerosene would generally be examined.
In addition, a funding concept for a PtX lab in Cottbus, including a plant for producing PtL kerosene, is being prepared. In addition, the Federal Ministry of Economics has 600 million euros available from the National Hydrogen Strategy for the production and use of electricity-based fuels for air and maritime transport. A website with a PtL project database will be launched this year
Airports can reduce emissions
Airports could also help reduce greenhouse emissions, according to the proposal. The federal government will provide increased support for climate-friendly airport operations and, for example, promote “climate-friendly ground power systems”. This also includes identifying the potential for photovoltaics at airports and opening up previously unused areas for solar power systems. Electromobility on the apron and the charging infrastructure for employees and customers in the parking lots and in parking garages are to be expanded.
Photo above
Aviation should become environmentally friendly, the industry must rethink: demonstration by the aerobatic team of the Spanish Air Force Patrulla Águila at the International Aerospace Exhibition 2018. © ILA
Photo middle
With your own plane to your own concert: The Boeing 747 “Ed Force One” of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden at the Berlin Air Show 2016. © ILA
Climate-neutral aviation. Joint paper from the federal government (PDF, 7 pages)
