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Technologies taper aviation and maritime emissions

8 March 2024

The top four energy transition technologies offer varying potential in decarbonising maritime and aviation, two of the world's hardest-to-abate sectors, a new GlobalData report finds.

These technologies include electrification, alternative fuels, carbon capture and storage(CCS) or carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) and hydrogen.

Aviation and maritime represent two of the most difficult to abate sectors due to their demand for cost-competitive and energy-dense fuels. 

Due to this requirement, the report suggests that it is likely that both sectors will need to engage with a combination of energy transition technologies to achieve emissions reductions.

For example, weight concerns and energy density limitations in commercial aviation are expected to restrict electrification to short-range or hybrid solutions in the aviation sector.

"Increasing production and cost competitiveness of energy-dense alternative fuels such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and hydrogen will be key to decarbonising longer range flights. The sector is also starting to explore direct air carbon capture to offset its overall emissions," the report notes.

In contrast, the maritime sector is well placed to capitalise on all four energy transition technologies.

Biofuels as well as CCUS units fitted to ship exhausts can offer immediate decarbonisation.

"In the long term, ships can be redesigned to increase compatibility with hydrogen or hydrogen derivatives and electric propulsion systems. However, the costly nature of these technologies will require substantial policy incentives to drive adoption," the report added.

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Jennifer Aguinaldo

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