Sittings · Document
Follow up to the European Parliament non-legislative resolution on electric aviation – a solution for short and mid-range flights
Rapporteur: Erik BERGKVIST (S&D / SE)
Reference numbers: 2023/2060 (INI) / A9-0438/2023 / P9_TA(2024)0014
Date of adoption of the resolution: 16 January 2024
Competent Parliamentary Committee: Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN)
Brief analysis/ assessment of the resolution and requests made in it:
The European Parliament resolution of 16 January 2024 on electric aviation – a solution for short and mid-range flights – adequately highlights:
the benefits of aircraft electrification for the connectivity of the European citizens as an environmental-friendly option where geographical conditions do not allow for alternative transport modes (e.g. rail), as a technology that positively impacts local air quality and noise and reduces the overall emissions of the aviation sector,
the technological innovations as a competitive and at the same time ecological option for regional mobility with considerable potential to establish new routes by using less frequented regional and secondary airports and more direct connections, for which in the starting phase considerable public funding is needed to de-risk investments from the private side,
the technological challenges linked to the new type of air mobility,
that due to the systemic challenges in terms of technology development, infrastructure, certification and legal and financial support from the public sector, there must be close coordination between the EU stakeholders involved.
Response to the requests and overview of the action taken, or intended to be taken, by the Commission:
Paragraphs 1 and 4
The Commission agrees in principle on the importance of financial support for regional airports, especially those that are active in the field of electric aviation, and the importance of cooperation with relevant regions and Member States.
The Commission recalls that there are various EU instruments that can support regional airports, such as the Innovation Fund, the European Regional Development Fund, and the trans-European networks in the area of transport infrastructure (TEN-T).
The role of regions and Member States is vital for tapping into the potential of regional airports. At European level, this is facilitated through projects financed through the EU’s Research and Innovation Framework Programme (e.g. the H2020 project Modular Approach to Hybrid Electric Propulsion Architecture) and other initiatives such as the Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation (AZEA) – see for example the progress report of this alliance for 2023 - and the State Representative Group of the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking. Moreover, the Memoranda of Cooperation concluded between the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking and regions in Europe are important tools through which the Commission further fosters cooperation with regions and Member States.
Paragraphs 6 and 9
The Commission agrees that the market prospects and the economic, environmental and social effects of electric vertical take-off and landing aircrafts (eVTOLs) and urban air mobility aircrafts (UAMs) in general depend very much on the boundary conditions of the possible deployment scenarios, since for this type of mobility - next to the technical development of the vehicles - infrastructural and traffic management aspects must be taken into account. During the last General Assembly of AZEA on 26 March 2023, a market potential of up to 27000 vehicles in this market segment was indicated.
The Commission agrees that both eVTOLs and fixed-wing electric aircraft are complementary forms of new urban air mobility and supports the market uptake of both types through research and innovation, deployment, certification and infrastructure development. The Commission notes that despite the differences in aircraft design between the two technological solutions, there are several similarities at the aircraft system level, in particular concerning the powertrain and energy storage systems.
The further development of these products up to market maturity is supported by various instruments: (i) in the collaborative part of Horizon Europe which focusses on highly innovative solutions with low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and through the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking developing first demonstrators while aspects of the safe integration of aircraft are addressed by Single European Sky Air traffic management(ATM) Research (SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking), (ii) in close collaboration with the European Aviation safety Agency (EASA) in the early stages of the projects to ensure certifiability from the beginning and (iii) the integration of the aircraft as well as the requirements for the overall system are dealt with within AZEA in frequent exchange with the Renewable and Low-Carbon Fuels Value Chain Industrial Alliance (RLCF)
Paragraph 15
With reference to the comments on paragraphs 1 and 4, it is pointed out that the provision of the necessary ground infrastructures will create the essential framework conditions to enable flight connections for emission-free flying. In addition, within the framework of AZEA and in cooperation with industrial stakeholders, possible networks are being discussed on which emission-free aircraft (battery-powered or hydrogen) can be operated economically. Eurocontrol and EASA are members of AZEA and at the same time working groups leaders within this alliance, so that there is a constant exchange between both stakeholders. It is noted that apart from the potential reductions in CO2 emissions, non-CO2 emissions and their climate impact are addressed.
Paragraph 19
The Commission agrees with all points raised, namely (i) to properly implement the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), (ii) the need for evaluation – in collaboration with the Member States - of the state of the market for hydrogen-powered and electric aviation, (iii) the preparation of a feasibility study and a corresponding deployment plan for alternative fuels infrastructures at airports.
The Commission confirms its commitment to ensure a proper implementation of the AFIR Regulation, including its proper evaluation. It is noted that in particular AZEA is the leading initiative within the Commission to address these issues in cooperation with Member States and local industrial partners. In addition, various options for public and private financing of future scenarios are being evaluated within the alliance to ensure the economic viability. In this regard, the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is a suitable instrument to support the financing of the necessary ground infrastructure.
Paragraphs 26
The Commission agrees that existing and planned legislation must not hinder the development of climate-friendly technologies in the aviation sector and that equal opportunities must be created for different technological approaches. In order to achieve the goals of the European Green Deal, the introduction of different technologies is essential. The involvement of independent external bodies, such as the Advisory Council for Aviation Research in Europe (ACARE), is always an important component for the strategic orientation.
Through the formation of alliances and the constant exchange across the Commission services (e.g. in the form of steering groups), it is ensured that the interests and perspectives of the different Commission services are also incorporated into the design of proposals for EU-wide legislative initiatives. As a concrete example, reference can be made to the sub-mandate for Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RNFBOs) in the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation, which explicitly provides for hydrogen as eligible Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The Commission will continue to maintain close internal exchanges between the Commission services and promote exchanges with independent external interest groups.
Paragraphs 27, 28 and 29
The Commission agrees that the transition of air transport, the necessity of which arises from the European climate targets, will have a far-reaching impact on the transport system and the energy system. The need for a systemic approach was met by the creation of AZEA. Within this alliance, as well as in the corresponding working and sub-working groups, possible future scenarios are also evaluated regarding their requirements in terms of ground infrastructure and the resulting energy demand. As mentioned above, this is done in cooperation with key stakeholders in European industry. The Commission services are continuously informed about the progress of the Alliance, e.g. through the constant convening of the steering group, the General Assembly and the preparation of reports.
The Commission shares the views that the EU regulatory framework should support the decarbonisation objectives of the aeronautics industry and confirms its support to ACARE, AZEA, and the implementation of the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA), which are important for the development of a common strategy for electric aircraft, covering research and innovation, deployment and infrastructure requirements.
Paragraph 31
The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking focuses amongst others on electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft. For example, hybrid-electric propulsion systems are being extensively investigated, especially for regional aircraft, and have a good chance of being introduced to the market by 2035.
On the issue of going beyond TRL 6, the Commission wishes to clarify that regarding EU Research and Innovation (R&I) funding provided through Horizon Europe, it cannot be provided beyond TRL 6. Nevertheless, the Commission is developing concepts to support the application of aviation technology through other funding opportunities, in particular the Innovation Fund, to further increase the level of technology maturity and thus to use aviation emission charges for climate-friendly solutions in this area.
The Commission agrees that the significant investments are needed to realise the ambition of European leadership in net-zero aviation. The Horizon Europe budget available for the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking has its limits. That is why it is important to join forces with national and regional investments in net-zero aviation (subject to compliance with State aid rules where applicable), other EU programmes, such as the Innovation Fund and private investments. The Commission takes note of the reference to the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
Paragraph 32
The Commission takes note of the view of the European Parliament in the context of the preparations of the next MFF.
Paragraphs 33 and 34
The Commission agrees and fully shares the view regarding the European Battery Alliance and NZIA. The Commission wishes to underline the substantial effort, based on available resources, that goes into coordinating the Work Programme activities and synergies within Horizon Europe. In this regard, the Batt4EU Co-Programmed Partnership is of particular relevance. Throughout Horizon Europe (2021-2027) this Partnership is investing EUR 925 million in R&I, matched with the same amount by the private side, with priorities being defined jointly with the European battery industry, academia and other relevant stakeholders. Furthermore, solid-state batteries are already a priority in this partnership, as are sensors and battery management systems that are fundamental for thermal management, especially when high charging rates are used. Also, 20% of the funding allocated so far has been dedicated to battery recycling technologies, aiming at reducing the external dependencies of the EU, increasing it resiliency, and reducing the environmental impact of battery production. Specific coordination actions are underway to explicitly include in the EU and national research programmes, the priority of high (gravitational and volumetric) energy density batteries and fuel cells for aviation.
Paragraph 35
The Commission takes note of Parliament's proposal to use part of the revenues from the Emissions Trading System (ETS) Aviation or any taxation on aviation for the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking, in accordance with the proposal on the Energy Taxation Directive. It will examine this proposal carefully. The Commission wishes to underline that the money raised via the ETS is reinvested into the Innovation Fund. Technology Transfer - transforming the results of research and development into marketable products and services - is a strategic area for the EIF.
Paragraph 36
Hydrogen is an essential part of the strategy for the transformation of the energy system and is therefore explicitly mentioned in the RePowerEU Plan. This includes the production of green hydrogen from renewable energies, where REPowerEU sets a target of 10 million tonnes of domestic renewable hydrogen production and 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen imports by 2030. In addition to the production and import of green hydrogen, REPowerEU addresses the distribution and storage of hydrogen (a total investment for key hydrogen infrastructure categories is estimated to be in the range of EUR 28 – 38 billion for EU-internal pipelines and 6 - 11 billion for storage) and will work on the implementation of these objectives as a high priority. National support for these investments would need to be realised in compliance with any applicable State aid rules.
Moreover, the current Work Programme of Horizon Europe Cluster 5 includes a topic on ‘hydrogen-powered aviation’, which focusses on the adequate ground-based refuelling and supply system for liquid hydrogen at air transport ground infrastructures. The grant agreements have just been signed and the European Commission supports two projects under this topic with an amount of EUR 22.5 million.
Paragraph 37
The Commission welcomes and agrees to the need for a coherent strategy to ensure that the necessary infrastructure for electric aviation, including power generation, grid connection and charging infrastructure, is deployed commensurate to the uptake of electric aircraft. The Commission has various tools and instruments to ensure this, including through AZEA and EU research and innovation activities.
EASA has been involved as advisory board and as partner in EU-funded collaborative research and innovation projects for more than a decade. EASA and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have identified electric and hybrid propulsion in one of their technical sessions for collaboration. It was concluded that harmonization efforts should be pursued by the authorities.
Paragraph 38
The need to provide the necessary infrastructure is highlighted in the "Smart & Sustainable Mobility Strategy" published in 2021. In addition to the need for blending mandates of SAF, it calls for the market launch of zero-emission aircraft in 2035 as well as the recharging and refuelling infrastructure required for this. The Commission is pursuing a strategic approach to climate neutral and competitive European aviation research and innovation within the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda of the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking, which is updated in regular time intervals according to the needs. The Commission takes note of the European Parliament’s request for European strategy for a coordinated approach to the development, certification and deployment of the new generation of aircraft in the context of the work of AZEA and the preparation of the next college.
In addition, the Commission agrees that awareness raising among European citizens is important and will continue with its communication and outreach campaigns, for example through the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking and on projects funded under the current and previous Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation at large.