The aerospace and defense industry has undertaken a slew of green initiatives to create a blueprint for sustainable development.
Regulations from the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) and other agencies have provided a boost to emission abatement efforts. The IATA has rolled out the four-pillar strategy that lays down the guidelines for the implementation of green measures to ratchet down fuel consumption and emissions.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Greener Flight to Future - Investment Opportunities, reveals that although 2009 witnessed a drastic reduction in CO2 emission of the aviation by an estimated 8.5 percent, only 2 percent is attributed to enhanced efficiency, and the rest is largely due to the recession-induced decline in air traffic.
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"While air traffic is anticipated to grow at the rate of 5.2%, IATA has reiterated its commitment to carbon-neutral growth," says Frost & Sullivan financial analyst R. Madusudanan. "This objective can be achieved by utilizing enhanced technology, streamlining operational efficiency, beefing up infrastructure, and potent economic measures."
Green aviation endorses a multi-pronged approach encompassing reduction in aircraft weight, upgradation of the engine, and better aircraft design. Proper use of economic instruments would be a strong driver for green aviation. Inclusion of aviation in the European Union's Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) would be a significant driver for reduction of emission levels.
Green aviation entails pro-active measures such as replacing the conventional crude oil-based aviation fuel with an alternate fuel, using fuel-efficient aircraft engines, and replacing the pneumatic and mechanical power systems with electrical power systems. Fuel cell systems are in the spotlight, offering a viable option for powering the APU in an aircraft, and advanced composites ensure aircraft weight reduction.
The deployment of fuel cell technology is expected to drastically reduce environmental hazards. However, compatibility with the existing aviation infrastructure, supply guarantee, technical feasibility, and economic considerations must be at optimum levels before the technology becomes operational. For now, the application of fuel cells in aircraft is still in the nascent stages.
"High levels of investment are required to replace the existing mechanical and pneumatic power systems with the electrical power system," Madusudanan says. Considering the current market scenario, high investment is an important factor restraining the shift from the existing system. Technological adaptability of the electrical power system is another restraint faced by market participants.
Taking the wide angle view, these initiatives are capital intensive and require huge investment in R&D. Industry participants have found this to be a major hindrance. The development of new technology needs years of R&D before commercialization. This extends the gestation period of R&D investment and the time taken to break even, thereby deterring the entry of new participants into this space.
In such a scenario, active support from governments and regulatory authorities is vital for expediting the adaptation process in an effective manner. Considering that the short-term benefits of these measures are few, adequate incentives must be provided to raise funds to deliver a much-needed shot of adrenalin for the market.
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