Antenna - What’s new in science
Does flying cost the Earth?
Technologies tackling the issue
Back to Can technology help
There are lots of different ideas to help planes cut emissions, from making aircraft lighter, more aerodynamic and more energy efficient, to using greener fuels.
We've asked engineering experts to help us assess some of these carbon-cutting technologies. Check out the strengths and weaknesses for each of the new technologies and try comparing them to see which ones you think most effectively tackle the problem.
| Name of technology | Emission cuts ? | Time scale ? | Cost ? | Effort ? | Passenger experience ? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biodiesel fuel | Estimates vary | 5 years | 5/5 | Quite hard | 5/5 |
| Blended-wing bodies | 25% | 25 years | 5/5 | Hard | 5/5 |
| Liquid hydrogen fuel | Estimates vary | 50 years | 5/5 | Hard | 2/5 |
| New combustors | 50% | 3 years | 2/5 | Medium | 3/5 |
| Open-rotor engines | 25% | 8 years | 4/5 | Quite hard | 1/5 |
| Removing rivets | Less than 1% | NOW | 5/5 | Quite easy | 5/5 |
| Synthetic kerosene fuel | Estimates vary | 10 years | 3/5 | Medium | 2/5 |
| Lighter turbine blades | 3% | NOW | 3/5 | Easy | 3/5 |
| Wing resurfacing | 15% | 10 years | 3/5 | Hard | 5/5 |
| Composite materials | 15% | Now | 2/5 | Easy | 3/5 |