7 December 2010
European aerospace leaders are urging the European Union to fund research into large-scale production of aviation biofuels, citing the astronomical costs that inhibit their use.
Speaking at Aeroweek – an event convened by the AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) to promote the sector’s cause to policy makers in Brussels – Airbus Chief Executive, Tom Enders, estimated that biofuel was 25 times more expensive than normal jet fuel, illustrating the need to ramp up manufacturing capacity so that it can feasibly enter the “real operational life” of airlines.
Already, 80% of the industry’s research and technology efforts have environmental implications, but Mr Enders suggested that the next phase requires more integrated research efforts involving airframe & engine makers, fuel producers, infrastructure providers – including airports – and politicians.
Such an undertaking could include a biofuels analogue of the SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) programme, and this might form part of the EU’s integrated energy policy – and be funded from the energy budget. In any case, biofuel could only gain a 30% share by 2030 with “at least some start-up help” from national Governments and the EU, in Mr Enders’ view.
Consultation is ongoing toward the eighth EU framework programme for research and technological development (FP8), to cover the period 2014 to 2020. Mr Enders identified a need for stable, continued financing of the Clean Sky joint technology initiative. The EU has pledged to provide half the funding for the £1.35 billion (€1.6 billion) programme, aimed at generating environmentally friendly technologies for future aircraft.
However, taxation and regulatory measures must, in Mr Enders’ view, be implemented globally rather than at an EU level. Mr Enders was particularly critical of national initiatives, singling out Germany’s planned Air Passenger Tax; ticket taxes have led some airlines to decide it is “more efficient to fly the old polluters than invest in new aircraft”, Mr Enders asserted.
EU policy makers should reinvest the proceeds of emissions trading scheme auctions in aviation research, technology and infrastructure, argued the ASD trade body. The European emissions trading scheme is due to come into force for aviation in 2012.
UK member of European Parliament, Malcolm Harbour, Chairman of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, believed that “taxation on flights and on aviation is defensible”, but also that it is “entirely logical” to reinvest proceeds in new technology.
He noted “the importance of continuing support through research and development from FP8”, and declared: “You will find that the parliament, by and large, will be very supportive of that, as we have been before.”
Still, Mr Enders recognised the context in which the aerospace industry’s demands will be heard by political decision makers. “There are different priorities here in Brussels,” he says. “Ireland – and saving the euro – is top of the agenda, not saving aerospace. Fortunately we’re not in a situation where we have to be rescued as a matter of emergency.”