Decarbonization values

BATTERY-SOURCED ELECTRICITY SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUELS (SAF) HYDROGEN True-zero carbon solution with no CO₂ and non-CO₂ emissions A renewable energy type that can be used as a battery energy source Enables distributed propulsion Has low complexity Net-zero carbon solution that reduces up to 80% of CO₂ emissions compared to conventional fuels Scalable from commuters to long-range aircraft Most sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) are already in production Compatible with current airport logistics Almost compatible with current aircraft engines High-energy density : At equal mass, hydrogen contains 3 times more energy than jet fuel and 2.5 times more than methane Hydrogen fuel cells : A true-zero carbon solution with no CO₂ and non-CO₂ emissions Hydrogen combustion : Scalable from commuters to long-range aircraft

Limitations and challenges

BATTERY-SOURCED ELECTRICITY SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUELS (SAFS) HYDROGEN Only for small planes (eVTOL) Can fly up to a range of 1,000 km Scalability is limited by the weight of battery Operating costs due to frequent replacements All other non-CO₂ emissions are still present Current adoption by airlines is limited , with less than 1% incentives for usage High OPEX costs Large tanks and complex fuel systems (e.g. temperature, pressure, safety) Adaptable to all airport fuel supply systems Affordable green-hydrogen solutions (short-term issue) Hydrogen fuel cells: Scalable up to medium-range aircraft due to power-to-weight ratio Hydrogen combustion: Still produces NOx and contrails ; presumed development of new generation turbines (short-term issue)

How the 3DEXPERIENCE platform can help

Make use of end-to-end visibility on a single platform to source and manage raw materials Optimize material combinations at the molecular level Simulate 3D data models to test and validate fuel-plane compatibility and lifecycle at all scales throughout the aviation supply chain Leverage a single source of truth to streamline ongoing research and development (R&D) collaboration on hydrogen fuel Utilize virtual twin-based scenario planning to safely plan and execute hydrogen fuel transportation, and optimize storage capabilities at airports and filling systems

Why is it hard to decarbonize aviation?

Decarbonizing the aviation sector, known for its challenges in adopting sustainable aviation fuel and biofuels due to immature technology and high costs , poses a significant hurdle for airlines, airports, and aviation industry players.

What is the purpose of Decarbonizing and is net zero aviation possible?

Decarbonizing aims to reduce or eliminate CO2 emissions , including the use of biofuels , across sectors like energy and transportation to combat climate change and achieve climate neutrality, aligning with global targets like the Paris Agreement. Net zero aviation by 2050 is challenging but feasible through advancements in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), biofuels, hydrogen propulsion, and electric aircraft. This goal requires significant investments in research, infrastructure, and international cooperation to address technical and economic challenges.

What are the five pillars of decarbonization?

Decarbonizing the aviation sector is vital in the fight against climate change. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has identified five key pillars for decarbonization in aviation: Enhanced operational efficiency Adoption of sustainable alternative fuels Implementation of market-based measures Technological advancements Investments in infrastructure These pillars guide the aviation industry in its journey toward sustainability and reduced carbon emissions.

What is the carbon emission of aviation?

In 2022, the aviation sector contributed 2% of global energy-related CO2 emissions . Its rapid growth surpassing rail, road, and shipping emissions highlights the challenge. Post-Covid-19, aviation emissions neared 800 Mt CO2, reaching 80% of pre-pandemic levels.

How are sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) produced?

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is produced via hydrodeoxygenation, a process eliminating oxygen from renewable feedstocks using hydrogen in the aviation sector's quest for decarbonization.

Decarbonizing Aviation: Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050

Decarbonization Efforts in the Aviation Industry

Air travel has allowed us to cover great distances in record time. From the smallest and lightest to the biggest and most commercial, aircraft designs have undergone radical technological transformation. However, air travel also contributes 2.5% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions⁽¹⁾. Therefore, it is high time to reinvent the way we fly.

Decarbonization takes top priority in the aviation industry’s efforts to combat climate change. Over the years, companies have ramped up efforts to reduce GHG emissions and decarbonize, while staying profitable amidst significant time and technological development challenges. The global air transport industry is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Thanks to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, low-carbon flights can become a reality. Aviation companies can create live virtual replicas of hydrogen fuel, sustainable aviation fuel (SAFs) and electric aircraft technologies for propulsive and non-propulsive energy systems. They can plan and test them at any point in the supply chain – all before real-life application. In doing so, they effectively deliver better fuels, better planes and a more robust value network.

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An Integrated Path Towards Low-Carbon Aviation

Find out how a fully integrated platform offering the Virtual Twin Experience and other advanced solutions is the answer to low-carbon aircraft innovations and air transport decarbonization.

Harness the Power of A Virtual Ecosystem

With a proper ecosystem, companies can achieve climate change targets on time. By leveraging the Virtual Twin Experience on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, they can effectively and sustainably optimize and deliver low-carbon operations, infrastructure and innovations, as shown below.

BATTERY-SOURCED ELECTRICITY	SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUELS (SAF)	HYDROGEN
True-zero carbon solution with no CO₂ and non-CO₂ emissions A renewable energy type that can be used as a battery energy source Enables distributed propulsion Has low complexity	Net-zero carbon solution that reduces up to 80% of CO₂ emissions compared to conventional fuels Scalable from commuters to long-range aircraft Most sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) are already in production Compatible with current airport logistics Almost compatible with current aircraft engines	High-energy density: At equal mass, hydrogen contains 3 times more energy than jet fuel and 2.5 times more than methane Hydrogen fuel cells: A true-zero carbon solution with no CO₂ and non-CO₂ emissions Hydrogen combustion: Scalable from commuters to long-range aircraft

BATTERY-SOURCED ELECTRICITY	SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUELS (SAFS)	HYDROGEN
Only for small planes (eVTOL) Can fly up to a range of 1,000 km Scalability is limited by the weight of battery Operating costs due to frequent replacements	All other non-CO₂ emissions are still present Current adoption by airlines is limited, with less than 1% incentives for usage High OPEX costs	Large tanks and complex fuel systems (e.g. temperature, pressure, safety) Adaptable to all airport fuel supply systems Affordable green-hydrogen solutions (short-term issue) Hydrogen fuel cells: Scalable up to medium-range aircraft due to power-to-weight ratio Hydrogen combustion: Still produces NOx and contrails; presumed development of new generation turbines (short-term issue)

Decarbonizing aviation is now on the agenda of every executive in the aerospace industry. While there are many possible technological levers today such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), hydrogen fuel and electrical aviation, the winners of this race will be parties that can build the right ecosystem around the use of these levers.

David Ziegler
Vice President, Aerospace & Defense Industry, Dassault Systèmes

Accelerating Hydrogen Transition

Learn more on how Dassault Systèmes can help accelerate the development and deployment of hydrogen aircraft technologies for either propulsive or non-propulsive energy systems.

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The Sky’s the Limit

Decarbonizing is complex and challenging. With the Virtual Twin Experience and other advanced capabilities on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, it does not have to be. Carbon-neutral air transport is that much closer to becoming a reality.

Optimize Your Low-Carbon Aviation Strategy Today

Achieve your decarbonization targets on time with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

Resident expert Isaac Benzaquen explains how and why it works.

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¹ Source: Our World in Data

Decarbonizing Aviation: Strategies for a Sustainable Future

Decarbonization Efforts in the Aviation Industry

An Integrated Path Towards Low-Carbon Aviation

Harness the Power of A Virtual Ecosystem

Accelerating Hydrogen Transition

The Sky’s the Limit

Optimize Your Low-Carbon Aviation Strategy Today

Explore our Solutions Program Excellence and Competitive Advantage

FAQ About Decarbonization & Net Zero Air

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