The aviation industry is at the cusp of a sustainability revolution, reflecting initiatives like the U.S. Aviation Climate Action Plan and the general aviation industry’s ambitious commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Colorado, which has been on the leading edge of aerospace technology and innovation for decades, is emerging as a leader of this transformative movement. Several Front Range companies and organizations are leading the efforts to create a sustainable future for aviation and demonstrating how aircraft can be a useful tool in climate research.
Innovative approaches to renewable energy sources are crucial in achieving carbon neutrality. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), for example, is a non-petroleum alternative jet fuel, which reduces lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. SAF, a “drop-in” fuel, is blended with conventional jet fuel and does not require engines to be retrofitted for its use.
The industry is rapidly expanding SAF production to replace conventional jet fuel. Gevo, a renewable fuel and chemical producer headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, is at the forefront with approximately 350 million gallons per year already contracted with numerous aircraft operators. Their alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) process not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also supports our nation’s agricultural community and domestic economy. A recent study projected that meeting the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge production of 35 billion gallons of SAF by 2050 would support more than 400,000 U.S. jobs.
The general aviation industry is also working on novel powertrain advancements including battery-electric and hydrogen-electric systems. Traditionally, battery-powered aircraft have faced the challenge of heavy batteries which limits their range and payload. However, Centennial-based Bye Aerospace has developed its eFlyer family of aircraft, a two-seat electric aircraft optimized for flight training. Flight training, typically conducted with smaller, short-range aircraft, presents an ideal use case for electrification. The company has begun construction of its first eFlyer 2 aircraft, with 893 orders already placed for it and a subsequent model. This commitment has the potential to kickstart electric light aircraft in the U.S. and pave the way for its expanded use.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory, is driving significant advancements of its own across the spectrum of renewable energy technologies. With a holistic approach to sustainable aviation research that includes developing SAF and synthetic e-fuels from captured carbon, enhancing hydrogen fuel cell technologies, and modernizing airport energy systems, NREL is working to solve the technical problems that constrain low- and net-zero-carbon aviation. For example, a recent NREL whitepaper takes a hard look at the challenge ahead for meeting U.S. SAF goals — suggesting an “all-hands-on-deck” approach for successfully producing billions of gallons by 2050. The Colorado Division of Aeronautics is also collaborating with NREL to envision a roadmap for integrating these advanced technologies into Colorado’s transportation system and building a national standard for deploying community-oriented sustainable aviation infrastructure.
Aviation also enables atmospheric research critical to climate resilience. The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) leverages its advanced research aircraft, based at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, for vital atmospheric studies. Operated by NCAR and owned by the National Science Foundation, these flying laboratories are equipped with advanced radar and other sensing instruments that are critical for research on wildfire plumes, carbon storage and emissions. This research allows for better prediction of high-impact weather events such as hurricanes, atmospheric rivers, tornadoes, derechoes and blizzards, thereby mitigating the loss of life as a result of climate change.
The Denver area is emerging as a key center of the sustainable aviation revolution, spurring economic growth. Colorado’s airports already support $48.6 billion in annual business revenue and sustain over 345,000 jobs with a payroll of $16.2 billion, but by setting a global standard for the aviation industry’s transition to a greener future, Colorado has committed to sustainability and economic prosperity. This work has championed the advancement of sustainable aviation technologies while propelling Colorado to the forefront of this revolution, securing a resilient future for all.
Bill L. Holen is the Arapahoe County District 5 Commissioner and the Treasurer of the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority Board of Commissioners.