#34 The Energy Challenge of Decarbonising Aviation (feat. Marylin Bastin, Eurocontrol)

Get the latest insights from the AAMBITION Podcast delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe HERE.++++Episode 34 of the “Aerospace Ambition Podcast” featuring Marylin Bastin (EUROCONTROL) is out!Talking Points•⁠ ⁠Eurocontrol's Mission: Discover the vital role Eurocontrol plays in shaping the future of aviation, as they bridge the gap between industry leaders and policymakers in the push for greener skies.•⁠ ⁠‘Sustainable’ Fuels Dilemma: Can the aviation sector achieve a balance between sustainability and the limited supply of biomass for alternative fuels? We explore the possibilities—and the tough choices ahead.•⁠ ⁠The Energy Investment Hurdle: As society pivots away from fossil fuels, we dig into the financial challenge of meeting aviation's energy demands while striving for a cleaner, more sustainable future.•⁠ ⁠Tackling Contrail Management: How do you roll out contrail management strategies across entire fleets or even regions? We unpack the logistical hurdles and the potential for impact.•⁠ ⁠Growth vs. Sustainability: Aviation is currently built on increasing passenger numbers, but can sustainability be woven into the industry's DNA just as deeply as safety? We discuss how the sector can balance these seemingly opposing priorities.GuestMarylin Bastin is the head of aviation sustainability at EUROCONTROL. An engineer by training, she has worked in ATM for over 20 years: first in the Belgian ANSP (Skeyes) and since 2020 at EUROCONTROL. Her experience in the UN’s Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET) makes for an exciting discussion on energy's pivotal role in aviation's future. In our conversation, we dive into strategies and technologies that will help aviation move away from fossil kerosene.Relevant Studies1.⁠ ⁠“Flying on Electricity and Hydrogen in Europe” by the Alliance for Zero Emissions Aviation (AZEA) from June 20242.⁠ ⁠“Long-haul Flight Decarbonisation: When Can Cutting-Edge Energies & Technologies Make a Difference?” by Eurocontrol (Think paper #21) from September 20233.⁠ ⁠“Five years to Chart a New Future for Aviation” by the University of Cambridge’s Aviation Impact Accelerator from September 2024