Aviation and ecology : is the energy transition possible ?

What impact does the aeronautics industry have on the environment ?

Aeronautics has a reputation as a polluting sector. Yet greenhouse gas emissions in this sector are much lower than we tend to imagine. In 2018, the aeronautics sector accounted for just 2.6% of global emissions. A figure well below the average person’s estimate.

Although smaller than we think, the aviation sector’s carbon footprint does exist, and being able to reduce it would be just one more step in favor of global ecology.

What are the solutions (implemented and envisaged)?

The energy transition in the aviation sector is possible thanks to a number of new techniques and technologies, some of which have already been implemented at several airports. In addition, aeronautical equipment manufacturers are working hard to produce less polluting jet engines.

Electrical equipment

Replacing fuel-powered equipment such as aerial work platforms with electric motors is a first step. Diesel is notorious for its greenhouse gas emissions. Switching to electric power would be a major step forward in the airport industry’s energy transition.

The use of solar panels to power certain equipment is also an idea in the same direction, allowing almost perfect operating autonomy. You can find electrically powered GSE equipment at SOVAM. Our equipment is premium quality and Made In France.

Retrofit for upcycling

Retrofitting obsolete or ageing systems is a way of upcycling in aeronautics as elsewhere. Rather than buying new GSE equipment, which generally has a considerable carbon footprint, and avoiding pollution by scrapping obsolete equipment, upcycling and retrofitting can be an interesting alternative.

The idea is to renovate an existing vehicle and switch from a combustion engine (diesel) to an electric motor, and to start afresh for 20 years with a reconditioned product that complies with new standards, all for 60% of the new price.