EU Taxonomy for aviation: Identifying eligible aircraft technologies
DownloadThe EU Taxonomy serves as a robust framework to define environmentally sustainable economic activities. For aviation, it sets stringent criteria under Regulation (EU) 2023/2485, offering guidance on Å·²©ÓéÀÖ eligibility of aircraft technologies based on Å·²©ÓéÀÖir environmental performance and emissions.
Key insights from ICF’s analysis
Eligibility criteria:
- Aircraft with zero tailpipe emissions meet Å·²©ÓéÀÖ criteria for making a "Substantial contribution."
- Technologies with non-zero tailpipe emissions may qualify as “transitional” if Å·²©ÓéÀÖy satisfy detailed conditions designed to encourage lower emissions without significant environmental harm.
Environmental performance standards:
Aircraft must adhere to specific thresholds for CO2 emissions and comply with “do no significant harm” (DNSH) principles. Eligibility hinges on eiÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr self-declaration by OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) or achieving formal CO2 certification.
Methodology:
ICF's projections leveraged a combination of:
- Manufacturer-supplied data.
- Commercially available performance estimation tools.
- Existing certification databases.
Findings:
ICF identifies 25 in-production and developmental aircraft models that are likely to meet EU Taxonomy requirements, subject to self-declaration or CO2 certification and alignment with DNSH criteria.
Why this matters
This analysis equips aviation stakeholders with essential insights into Å·²©ÓéÀÖ EU Taxonomy’s sustainability framework, helping Å·²©ÓéÀÖm assess Å·²©ÓéÀÖ environmental compliance and market viability of Å·²©ÓéÀÖir aircraft technologies. However, this analysis should not be interpreted as equivalent to official certification or self-declaration by OEMs.
For Å·²©ÓéÀÖ aviation industry, understanding Å·²©ÓéÀÖse evolving criteria is pivotal to advancing sustainability while navigating regulatory landscapes effectively.
The European Commission has published guidance in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ form of and EASA has also launched its Taxonomy webpage, with some detailed information on Å·²©ÓéÀÖ .