Gulf Airlines and the Challenge of Reducing Carbon Emissions

The Gulf region, known for its economic diversification plans, relies heavily on air travel as a key component of its tourism and business industries. However, this reliance also comes with a significant environmental impact, as aviation is responsible for approximately 2. 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

While this percentage may seem small compared to other industries such as cement and steel making, there are valid concerns about the carbon footprint of air travel. In addition to carbon dioxide emissions, jet exhaust also leads to the formation of contrails, which contribute to additional global warming. Furthermore, the rapid growth of air travel in the region, driven by the rise of the middle class in South-East Asia, India, and Africa, could triple emissions by 2050.

Private jets have also come under scrutiny for their high per person emissions and perceived frivolous use by the wealthy, leading to calls for a ban. However, the current alternatives to petroleum-powered jets, such as renewable or nuclear electricity generation and electric road vehicles, are not yet viable for long-haul flights.

This presents a challenge for the aviation industry to reduce its carbon footprint and meet international climate goals. By 2030, all new aircraft delivered would need to be zero-carbon, which seems like an ambitious goal given the current state of technology.

One possible solution is the use of electric aircraft for short-haul flights of up to 500 kilometers, connecting the Gulf capitals other than Kuwait City. However, this only accounts for a small percentage of overall emissions. Longer distances would require significant advancements in battery technology, making it more realistic to continue relying on traditional chemical fuels.

The three main options for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) include biofuels, synthetic fuels, and hydrogen. While SAF is already being used by airlines, traditional pathways for its production rely on limited waste feedstocks or crops that contribute to deforestation. Synthetic fuels, derived from renewable electricity and carbon dioxide, are also a promising option but would require significant investments in production.

Hydrogen, which emits only water vapor when burned, is another alternative that is currently being explored. However, it would require significant changes in aircraft design and infrastructure, making it unlikely to be a viable option before the 2040s.

The responsibility to reduce carbon emissions falls on both airlines and fuel suppliers, with each party blaming the other for the lack of progress. To kick-start the market for sustainable alternatives, some suggest requiring private planes to quickly transition to zero-carbon flight.

For mass aviation, two opportunities arise for the Gulf region. The first is the production of synthetic fuels, with the EU’s aggressive requirements for SAF making it a guaranteed market. The Gulf’s resources, including high-quality wind and solar, open land, and experience in oil refining and petrochemicals, make it a top contender in this area.

The second opportunity is the use of direct air capture (DAC) technology, which removes carbon dioxide