Impacts of decarbonization technologies in air transport on the global energy system

In pursuing global carbon neutrality, understanding the potential roles of decarbonization technologies in air transport, such as electric aircraft, hydrogen-powered aircraft, bio-jet fuel and synthetic fuel in the global energy system, is important. This study systematically and quantitatively analyzed the impacts of these decarbonization technologies on the global energy system under the Paris temperature goals. The model analysis showed that the introduction of electric aircraft, hydrogen-powered aircraft and synthetic fuel into the aviation sector would contribute to the cost-effective achievement of emissions reductions in line with Paris goals. For achieving 66 % probability, the introduction of electric- and hydrogen-powered aircraft, and synthetic fuel would decrease mitigation costs by 2,743 billion USD/yr and 135 billion USD/yr in 2100, respectively. However, there are no feasible solutions without these three technologies under assumed conditions. This study illustrates the crucial role of these technologies in long-term decarbonizing pathways, affecting global petroleum consumption.