Air travel contributes 2.5 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions and is often the biggest contributor to an individual’s carbon footprint. To eliminate aviation emissions, Val Miftakhov started ZeroAvia, a company committed to building the world's first zero-emission 100-person jet that can fly across the Atlantic Ocean by 2030. His planes will run on fuel cells powered by hydrogen. For a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/zero-emission-aviation-with-val-miftakhov/
For a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/zero-emission-aviation-with-val-miftakhov/
Ethan: This is Ethan Elkind of Climate Break. Air travel contributes 2.5% of global carbon dioxide emissions. To eliminate aviation emissions, Val Miftakhov started ZeroAvia, a company committed to building the world's first zero-emission 100-person jet that can fly across the Atlantic Ocean by 2030. His planes will run on fuel cells powered by hydrogen.
Mr. Miftakhov: It's one of the fastest growing areas of transportation and nobody really has a solution for sustainability issues there. So we thought that we would start a company that would solve sustainability of aviation at scale.
Ethan: For Miftakhov, hydrogen fuel offers a greater flight range than batteries, which may be better suited for short-haul flights. It’s also a more efficient fuel overall.
Mr. Miftakhov: Hydrogen is actually three times more energetic than jet fuel on a per kilogram basis.
Ethan: But powering planes with hydrogen has its fair share of challenges. For example, it’s hard to manage fuel storage, since hydrogen takes up more volume than the equivalent amount of jet fuel, and more fuel production and stations are needed. But as a test pilot himself, Miftakhov prefers hydrogen.
Mr. Miftakhov: It's actually easier to fly because the power response is better.
Ethan: Hydrogen fuel also produces benefits for passengers, including quieter flights without the smell of jet fuel. For more information on ZeroAvia and zero-emission airplanes, and for more climate solutions, go to climatebreak.org or wherever you get your podcasts.