Sustainable Aviation: Green Fuel Trials Around the Baltic Sea
Transport sector pollution accounts for 25% of EU CO2 emissions, making it clear that without transforming this sector, a sustainable future will remain obscured by dense emissions. Alongside heavy ground transport, aircraft play a significant role. In this regard, countries around the Baltic Sea are showing ambition – will these efforts lay the foundation for the region’s ecological advantage?
Pioneers of sustainable aviation in Latvia
Jurmala Airport has signed a letter of intent with ‘Evia-aero GmbH’ to make this airport the first to implement sustainable aviation. This bold venture involves developing a 50 MW solar power plant and green hydrogen production and storage projects, setting a precedent for sustainable aviation in the region.
Bornholm Energy Island in Denmark – A green fuel production hub
The Bornholm Energy Island project aims to develop a 38 GW offshore wind farm and use its resources to conduct research on eco-friendly fuel production, examining the technical and economic aspects of the green fuel industry, with a focus on the most challenging sectors to transform: aviation, maritime, and heavy transport.
“The initiatives in the Baltic and Nordic countries demonstrate the region’s commitment to integrating sustainable practices into aviation and energy production. By using local resources and renewable energy technologies, these projects aim to reduce environmental impact and create a more sustainable future. Moreover, the successful implementation of these projects could serve as an example for global efforts to combat climate change,” says Povilas Emilis Cesna, Head of Trading and Origination at Green Genius.
Vestas’ eagle eye on helicopters
Global sustainable energy company Vestas has launched a pilot green fuel project for helicopters in the Baltic Sea wind farm, aiming to use up to 40% green energy in the fuel for helicopters transporting wind turbine construction workers. The goal of the project, which will run until September 2024, is to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 32% per flight compared to traditional fuels. According to Vestas, such a change would be a significant step towards carbon neutrality by 2030.
“Integrating green fuels into existing aircraft and infrastructure without major modifications increases their adaptability and extends the lifecycle of current technology, thus contributing to sustainable consumption. Current EU regulations allow for the use of up to 50% green energy in fuel mixtures, and by 2030, this amount is expected to increase to 100%,” notes Povilas Emilis Cesna.
These initiatives in the Baltic and Nordic countries highlight the region’s commitment to integrating sustainable practices into aviation and energy production. By leveraging local resources and renewable energy technologies, these projects aim to reduce environmental impact and create a more sustainable aviation future. The successful implementation of these projects could serve as a model for global efforts to fight climate change.
