3510 EI Research Report: Reducing GHG emissions from aircraft refuelling

Overview:

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This research report, commissioned by the Energy Institute’s Aviation Committee, provides the findings of a study undertaken by Ricardo Energy & Environment to assesses how the adoption of different technologies to refuel aircraft could cut GHG emissions caused by that activity.

The study documents the GHG emissions associated with aircraft refuelling at a large commercial case study airport in 2019 and estimates the emissions for the same fuel uplift volume/number of fuelling operations using alternative approaches.

Assessments include the use of the latest generation diesel-powered vehicles, engine off technology for hydrant dispensers, the use of hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO – renewable diesel), the deployment of hydrant carts for refuelling narrow-body aircraft, the use of electrically-powered pump off for refuellers and the adoption of fully electric hydrant dispensers and refuellers.

The information contained in this publication will be of significant interest to airlines, into-plane fuelling companies, aviation fuel suppliers, hydrant/airport depot operators, original equipment manufacturers, airport owners/operators, aviation authorities and any other organization involved in aviation fuel handling at airports (with hydrant systems or refueller operations).

All aviation stakeholders are encouraged to review the findings of this study and assess what GHG emission reduction measures are most beneficial at the airports at which they operate.