On Thursday 21 September, Erik Bergkvist MEP (S&D, Swedish) presented his draft own-initiative report on encouraging electric aviation to the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism. The report was well received but elicited some reservations.
“This is happening now, we already have working electric airplanes; they are not that big, but development is happening really quickly”, enthused Mr Bergkvist. In the explanatory memorandum, he pointed out that one segment of the industry was already working on an advanced concept for a hybrid electric aircraft, which is “very promising for electric aviation”.
From a purely technical standpoint, an “all-electric” configuration eliminates CO2 emissions, greenhouse gases and water vapour, making it the most sustainable form of technology, capable of not generating any emissions during flights. In his view, this new technology could provide a new mode of transport, particularly within or between regions.
However, he noted the existence of various technological and regulatory obstacles that limit the scope of battery-electric aircraft, which are mainly used for short- and medium-haul flights. He mentioned, in particular, battery technology, which requires certain supplies and needs to be lighter and more powerful.
Marian-Jean Marinescu (EPP, Romanian) was also optimistic but pointed out that these aircraft would have to be approved. This point was also made by the representative of the European Commission: “We will have to work more closely with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on the certification of electric aviation”.
Kosma Złotowski (ECR, Polish) believes that it would be preferable to wait and see how the implementation of alternative fuels develops (see EUROPE 13206/27), as electrification could lead to additional infrastructure costs.
To read the draft report, go to https://aeur.eu/f/8oi (Original version in French by Anne Damiani)