#Sustainability20: OMV Petrom invests EUR 750m for integrating sustainable fuel production with 2 green hydrogen facilities & more
Weekly Roundup - 28/02/25
Each Friday, we publish a round-up of the 20 most important stories on sustainable aviation. You can see previous editions of #Sustainability20 here.
Industry Updates
United Airlines has invested in Heirloom's DAC technology to remove 500,000 tons of CO2, supporting sustainable aviation and net-zero goals through scalable carbon capture and storage solutions.
Southwest Airlines has cut jobs in its sustainability teams and is working to sell a renewables company, scaling back climate initiatives despite pledges to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Aviation industry delegates outnumbered green groups 10:1 at a UN environmental conference, raising concerns over industry influence on climate negotiations and slow decarbonisation progress.
The UK’s Climate Change Committee has predicted that aviation will become the highest-emitting sector between 2038-2042, urging sustainable fuel adoption and demand management to meet net-zero targets.
Global passenger numbers are forecast to reach 22.3 billion by 2053, driven by rising travel demand and airport investments, despite short-term geopolitical and economic challenges.
King Abdulaziz International Airport has undergone an APEX environmental review to enhance sustainability, sharing best practices and improving compliance with environmental standards.
CLIMATE WATCH: Extreme Heat May Cause Older People to Age Faster, New Study Finds - The New York Times
Extreme heat has been found to accelerate biological aging, with a study linking high temperatures to DNA changes, suggesting climate change could speed up aging in vulnerable populations.
Infrastructure and operational efficiencies
Royal Schiphol Group deploys Auto-DollyTug to streamline baggage transfer - Passenger Terminal Today
Schiphol Airport has tested self-driving baggage vehicles to streamline luggage handling, using autonomous technology to improve efficiency and reduce operational pressures.
Eva Air has partnered with Hunter to launch sustainable Premium Economy amenity kits made from recycled materials, combining functionality with eco-friendly design.
Pratt & Whitney’s GTF Advantage engine has achieved FAA certification, offering improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions for Airbus A320neo family aircraft.
Emirates is upcycling old seat covers into backpacks, donating them to schoolchildren as part of its sustainability initiatives and cabin retrofit programme.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
OMV Petrom has invested €750 million in sustainable aviation fuel production, aiming to produce 250,000 tons annually by 2028 to support decarbonisation in Southeast Europe.
Global SAF demand is projected to reach 17 million tons by 2030, requiring up to $45 billion in investment to overcome production and feedstock challenges.
Chinese SAF producers have delayed plant startups due to a lack of government policy, hindering domestic use and export of sustainable aviation fuel.
Avfuel has expanded SAF availability in the US, adding supply points in New Jersey, Texas, and Florida to support growing demand for sustainable aviation fuel.
New Rise Renewables has begun SAF production in Nevada, marking a milestone in decarbonising aviation with a facility capable of producing 3,000 barrels per day.
New technology: Electric and Hydrogen
ZeroAvia has established an R&D facility at Stockton Airport to advance liquid hydrogen refueling technology, supporting zero-emission aviation innovation.
EHang has partnered with JAC Motors to build a manufacturing base for eVTOL aircraft, integrating automotive expertise with aviation technology for sustainable urban mobility.
Bristol Airport is trialling hydrogen refuelling for ground support equipment, paving the way for zero-emission airport operations and future hydrogen-powered flights.
NASA is funding a hybrid hydrogen aircraft engine project, aiming to develop a zero-emission propulsion system for sustainable aviation.
Lilium has filed for insolvency again after investors failed to deliver promised funding, halting operations on its eVTOL aircraft development.