“Innovation Takes Off” is not just a motto. It is the driving force behind Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking.
Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking stands here in Brussels. It is Europe’s foremost aeronautical research body. The European Commission and the European aeronautics industry work together here. This public-private partnership coordinates and funds research. The goal is quieter and more environmentally friendly aircraft.
Aeronautics innovates constantly. It changes millions of lives. Developing hardware and systems takes time. The industry’s research and development cycles are long. It typically takes 20 to 30 years for an idea to reach the market. Large-scale investment carries high risk. The environmental impact is significant. It accounts for 3% of global man-made carbon emissions. This impact increases as societies demand better connections.
Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking coordinates research activities. It develops technologies that would be too risky for the private sector alone. It provides funding to develop and introduce innovations faster. The aim is to realize the Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe ACARE 2020 environmental goals.
These goals include a 50% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. An 80% reduction in mono-nitrogen oxides emissions. A noise reduction for flying aircraft of 50%. Mitigating the environmental impact of the lifecycle of aircraft.
The CSJU Governing Board identifies strategic research areas. It consists of representatives from industry and the commission. Calls for Proposals are launched based on industry needs. Small and medium-sized enterprises SMEs respond with detailed research plans. They also outline the funding needed.
Independent experts evaluate the proposals. They advise the CSJU on the best potential proposals. Winning proposals receive funding and support. The initial Clean Sky Programme ran from 2008 to 2016. It had a budget of 1.6 billion euros. Half came from the European Commission. The other half came from industry leaders.
Integrated Technology Demonstrators ITDs are strategic research areas. Each ITD is co-led by two industry leaders. The Green Regional Aircraft ITD focuses on small, low-weight aircraft. Airbus and Alenia co-lead it. The Smart Fixed Wing Aircraft ITD focuses on wing technologies. Airbus and SAAB co-lead it. The Green Rotorcraft ITD focuses on innovative rotor blades. AgustaWestland and Airbus Helicopters co-lead it. The Sustainable and Green Engines ITD focuses on novel configurations. Rolls-Royce and Safran co-lead it. Systems for Green Operations ITD focuses on electrical aircraft equipment. Liebherr and Thales co-lead it. Eco-Design ITD focuses on mitigating the environmental impact of aircraft. Dassault Aviation and Fraunhofer Gesellschaft co-lead it.
The Technology Evaluator TE complements the ITDs. It assesses environmental improvements of new technologies. It compares the results with aircraft without the new technologies. The difference in fuel saved shows the technology’s success.
Following the initial program’s success, Clean Sky 2 launched in 2014. It aims to contribute to ACARE’s Flightpath 2050 goals. These goals are more ambitious. A 75% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. A 90% reduction in mono-nitrogen oxides. A noise reduction of flying aircraft of 65%. Mitigating the environmental impact of the lifecycle of aircraft. Clean Sky 2 requires a larger membership. It also requires a bigger budget. It needs research activity in a wider range of areas.
Axel Krein serves as the director. The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking has 42 staff members.
Clean Aviation technologies will cut fuel burn and related CO2 emissions by 20-30%. They will also cut noise levels. The public benefits from less noise pollution. They also benefit from lower emissions. There will be better travel options. Improved industrial competitiveness in Europe. The economy benefits. Aeronautics is among the EU’s most successful industries. Clean Aviation helps shape a European labor force. This labor force can develop the cutting-edge technology needed to remain on top.
Clean Sky 2 is more than just a research program. It is a commitment to a sustainable future for aviation. Its work here ensures that future generations can enjoy the benefits of air travel. They can do so without compromising the health of our planet.