Brazil-based major aerospace and defence group Embraer on Monday gave an update on its Energia initiative to achieve net-zero commercial aviation by 2050. Energia was launched in November last year, with four concepts for small zero-carbon regional airliners, ranging in size from a nine-seater to a 50-seater, with four different potential propulsion technologies – electric, hybrid-electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and hydrogen fuel- or sustainable aviation fuel- (SAF-) powered gas turbine, power plants.

The manufacturer has now narrowed its study down to just two size categories (19-seat and 30-seat) and two propulsion technologies – hybrid-electric and hydrogen fuel cell. The hybrid-electric concept aircraft are designated the E19-HE and E30-HE, while the hydrogen fuel cell (also being referred to as hydrogen-electric) aircraft are the E19-H2FC and the E30-H2FC. The numerals 19 and 30 refer to the passenger capacities of the designs.

“As new propulsion technologies will be first applied on smaller aircraft, Embraer is in a unique position,” affirmed group engineering, technology and corporate strategy senior VP Luís Carlos Affonso. “The 19- and 30-seaters are sensible starting points for focused studies since they are likely to present earlier technical and economical readiness. While the challenges of net-zero are significant, in less than 25 years our commercial aircraft have already reduced fuel burn and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by almost 50% on a seat/mile basis, using only conventional fuels and propulsion – I’m convinced that net-zero is a goal we can reach.”

The E19-HE and E30-HE will both use parallel hybrid-electric propulsion systems. These systems combine combustion engines with electric motors and battery packs; the combustion engine would recharge the batteries, but could also, if required, directly propel the aircraft. The electric motor would reduce the size of the combustion engine needed to power the aircraft, thereby reducing fuel burn and so carbon emissions. Using SAF, both models are expected to reduce their CO₂ emissions by up to 90%. Both would have rear-mounted engines and both are expected to be technologically ready by the early 2030s.

The E19-H2FC and E30-H2FC will both, of course, be powered by electricity generated by hydrogen fuel cells. They would be powered by rear-mounted electric engines and would produce zero carbon emissions. They are expected to be technologically ready by 2035.

“I believe we have set bold but realistic goals for these concepts to come to market,” stated Embraer Commercial Aviation president and CEO Arjan Meijer. “Since we announced our Energia concepts last year, we have been busy evaluating different architectures and propulsion systems. … A number of airlines are part of our Energia Advisory Group, the experience and knowledge they bring to the study will be key to accelerate to the next phases.”