Climate-neutral aviation: research projects
For more than 100 years, NLR has been a leading knowledge institution for applied research that is committed to improving tomorrow’s world. We work objectively and independently, for and with (inter)national business and governmental bodies.
On this page you will find some of the research projects which give practical effect to the programme Climate neutral aviation.
Project Climate Assessment Of Innovative Mitigation Strategies Towards Operational Improvements In Aviation - ClimOp
In ClimOP, actions and recommendations are being drawn up for policy makers and regulatory authorities, through the development of mitigation strategies to reduce the climate impact of aviation. These mitigation strategies involve operational improvements in the aviation system at a global scale, for both ground operations and operations in the air.
Goals 2023: To determine the impact of the proposed operational improvements on climate and stakeholders. This will be expressed in Key Performance Indicators (KPIs); appropriate regulation and policy identified for implementation of the proposed operational improvements.
Partners: DeepBlue, DLR, TU Delft, ITU, AMIGO S.r.l., IATA, SEA Milan Airports.
ClimOP is a project subsidised by EU Horizon 2020 (https://www.climop-h2020.eu/).
NLR-LH2 Project
This project aims to develop a liquid hydrogen tank for civil aviation, made from composite materials. A lightweight composite tank that can withstand the low temperature of liquid hydrogen (LH2) will contribute to the climate goal of zero-emission aviation by 2050. LH2 is a sustainable and clean fuel, and an extremely promising energy carrier as a successor to fossil kerosene.
Goals 2023: Final testing and completion will take place in 2023.
Partners: TNO, Universiteit Delft, Universiteit Twente
IMOTHEP: Investigation and Maturation of Technologies for Hybrid Electric Propulsion
IMOTHEP is researching the potential of hybrid electric propulsion (HEP) of aircraft as a way to cut greenhouse gas emissions; the project aims to take a great step forwards in the technological development required for this.
Goals 2023: Completion of performance testing at aircraft level; further development of the integration ideas around thermal analysis and power management; commencement of certification-related research.
Partners: ONERA, CIRA, DLR, Leonardo, Safran, GE Avio, Siemens, AIT, GKN, Chalmers, ILOT, INCAS, ITP, BHL, UL, ISAE, TUBS, USTRATH, POLIBA, UNOTT, Eurocontrol, CNRC, TSAGI, CIAM, GOSNIIAS, NRC, MAI
ClimOP is a project subsidised by EU Horizon 2020 (https://www.imothep-project.eu/).