Decarbonizing Aviation with Electrochemical Fuels

Challenges and Opportunities for Carbon Dioxide-Based Solutions for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Air Travel

Kristin Van Abel, Aimee E. Curtright, Andrew Star, Zara Fatima Abdurahaman, David DeSmet, Sabahat Zafar

ResearchPublished Feb 3, 2025

Decarbonizing aviation presents significant challenges, necessitating the use of sustainable, low-emission fuels alongside efficiency improvements. In this report, the authors examine barriers to the large-scale development of electrochemical sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) using captured carbon dioxide. They offer recommendations for philanthropic organizations to support the long-term growth of the SAF market.

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Van Abel, Kristin, Aimee E. Curtright, Andrew Star, Zara Fatima Abdurahaman, David DeSmet, and Sabahat Zafar, Decarbonizing Aviation with Electrochemical Fuels: Challenges and Opportunities for Carbon Dioxide-Based Solutions for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Air Travel, RAND Corporation, RR-A3118-1, 2025. As of April 8, 2025: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA3118-1.html

Chicago Manual of Style

Van Abel, Kristin, Aimee E. Curtright, Andrew Star, Zara Fatima Abdurahaman, David DeSmet, and Sabahat Zafar, Decarbonizing Aviation with Electrochemical Fuels: Challenges and Opportunities for Carbon Dioxide-Based Solutions for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Air Travel. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2025. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA3118-1.html.
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This research was funded by ClimateWorks Foundation and was conducted by the Community Health and Environmental Policy Program within RAND Social and Economic Well-Being in conjunction with the Acquisition and Technology Policy Program within the RAND National Security Research Division.

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