Rapid Growth in Net Zero R&D Projects as Europe Chases a Clean Aviation Future

The European Union (EU) strives to achieve net-zero carbon emissions from aviation by 2050. To this end, several research and development projects have been initiated under the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking. Many of these projects aim to decarbonize short-haul flights by developing regional airliners. Established aerospace companies such as Honeywell, Collins Aerospace, Textron, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and GE Aviation play major roles in this endeavor.
 
Recently, Honeywell announced that it is spearheading Project Newborn, which involves the participation of 17 other partners from 10 European nations. This project aims to create a megawatt-cell hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system. Textron eAviation's subsidiary, Pipistrel, will integrate this technology into a demonstrator aircraft.
 
As per Ondrej Kotaba, a principal scientist at Honeywell Aerospace, the Newborn technology will be initially used in a new 19-seater commuter aircraft. It could also be used for passenger and cargo-carrying eVTOL vehicles and larger general aviation planes.
 
The EU invests heavily in research and innovation to further these efforts. For instance, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has recently announced that it will allocate nearly €1 billion for clean aviation projects. Among other initiatives, this will fund the development of hydrogen-powered aircraft, biofuels, advanced flight control systems, and electric propulsion systems.
 
Progressive initiatives at a global level also complement the EU's efforts. For example, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has developed the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which seeks to control and reduce aviation emissions.
 
In summary, the EU's net zero research and development projects are paving the way for a clean and sustainable aviation future. By investing in innovative technology and collaborating with global partners, the EU is taking a major step towards reducing carbon emissions and achieving its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.