China's first self-developed large passenger aircraft C919 adopts a number of technologies to reduce carbon emissions. (PHOTO: XINHUA)

By ZHONG Jianli

Chinese authorities have unveiled an outline to promote the green low-carbon development of the aviation manufacturing industry, aiming to realize commercial and large-scale applications of unmanned, electric, and intelligent general aviation equipment by 2035.

The document, jointly issued by Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Finance, and Civil Aviation Administration of China, says the energy-saving, emission- and noise-reducing performance of domestic civil aircraft should be further improved, and a number of relevant standards and technical service platforms should be formed by 2025.

Statistics show that the aviation industry accounts for 2-3 percent of global annual greenhouse gas emissions. The upper air emission of aircraft, and the difficulty in decarbonization, give the industry great impact on global carbon emission and climate change.

The outline emphasizes the importance of adopting multiple technological approaches to develop low-carbon aircraft. Small aircraft will mainly focus on electric power, while regional and trunk line aircraft will revolve around new aerodynamic layouts, sustainable aviation fuels, and hybrid power systems.

Specifically, the document proposes accelerating the application of innovative products such as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, light and small fixed-wing electric aircraft, and new energy drones in urban air transportation, emergency rescue and logistics scenarios.

It also promotes the R&D of key hydrogen aviation technologies, expediting the development of core technologies for hydrogen storage devices, power systems and novel structural layouts suitable for hydrogen-powered aircraft. Explorations of new models for commercial operation of hydrogen-powered aircraft are also encouraged.

The integration of aviation manufacturing technology with new-generation information technologies, such as the industrial Internet, big data, 5G and general artificial intelligence, is welcomed. The development of recycling methods for metals, composite materials and power batteries will be promoted to form new business models for the scrapping and recycling of aviation equipment.

To facilitate the outlined objectives, three key projects will be implemented, including the Green Aviation Technology Innovation Project, the Green Aviation Innovation Application Demonstration Project, and the Green Aviation Standards and Airworthiness Compliance Verification Project.

In addition, international cooperation on green aviation development will be strengthened. Research institutions, universities and enterprises are expected to actively participate in the formulation of relevant international standards and rules, while an international technological innovation cooperation platform for green aviation is scheduled to be established.