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TotalEnergies & Safran aim to cut CO2 emissions in aviation

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TotalEnergies has signed a strategic partnership agreement with French multinational engine and aerospace component company Safran, to jointly develop ways of decarbonising the aviation industry.

Both companies are looking to reach net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, and the partnership's aim is to accelerate the reduction of the aviation sector's emissions with a key role being played by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

In the short term, the partnership aims to make current engines compatible with fuel containing up to 100% SAF. In the longer term, it will then work to optimise engine/fuel energy efficiency and environmental performance.

Read more: Repsol creates first aviation biofuel from waste in Spain

The companies say that the collaboration may also extend to other fields, such as adapting fuel systems to SAF or developing new-generation battery systems for electric motors.

The agreement focuses on three key areas:

Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies, said: "This strategic alliance will contribute to the emergence of a French value chain for sustainable aviation fuel and electric aircraft. TotalEnergies is resolutely committed to reducing its own carbon emissions and to supporting its customers in their reduction efforts by offering innovative, tailored solutions. We believe that cooperation among all aviation industry players is needed to achieve the objectives of the energy transition to reach carbon neutrality."

Read more: Is carbon capture essential for sustainable aviation?

Olivier Andriès, Chief Executive Officer of Safran, said: "I welcome this agreement, which is fully in line with Safran’s strategic priority to decarbonise aviation. Our ambition is to develop breakthrough technologies for ultra-efficient engines that are 20% more fuel-efficient than the current LEAP engine and 100% compatible with sustainable fuels. This cooperation with TotalEnergies demonstrates our commitment to limiting our environmental footprint, contributing to carbon neutrality in the aviation industry, and preserving a mode of transportation that delivers essential economic, social and cultural benefits."

Sustainable aviation fuels are an immediately available solution for significantly reducing CO2 emissions from air transportation, as they can be used in blends of up to 50% as of today without modifying existing supply chain infrastructure, aircraft or engines. Safran is part of a number of projects that will allow the use of 100% SAF in existing aircraft.

French legislation calls for aircraft to use at least 1% SAF by 2022 for all flights originating in France, while the European Commission calls for a ramp-up to 2% by 2025 and 5% by 2030 as part of the European Green Deal.

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