Embraer is also embarking on the development of zero-emission aircraft

To achieve the aviation industry’s net carbon neutrality target for 2050, a Brazilian manufacturer has unveiled plans for a new family of aircraft. In the Energy project, Embraer is exploring sustainable concept types capable of carrying up to 50 passengers. The manufacturer has entered into partnerships with an international consortium of universities, aeronautical research institutes and small and medium-sized companies.

The Energia family consists of four versions, each of different size, engine technology and propulsion, and the project will examine the technical feasibility and the market and economic viability of the concepts. The Energia Hybrid (E9-HE) type, with hybrid-electric propulsion, is capable of carrying up to 9 passengers with up to 90% less carbon dioxide emissions, has rear-fuselage mounted engines and would be technologically ready by 2030.

The Energia Electric (E9-FE), an all-electric, zero-carbon aircraft that would be operational from 2035, would also be capable of carrying 9 passengers, powered by two counter-rotating propellers mounted on top of a vertical control plane.

The Energia H2 Fuel Cell (E19-H2FC) concept aircraft could also be technologically ready by 2035, powered by hydrogen-electric propulsion and capable of carrying 19 passengers, with two electric propellers mounted at the rear of the fuselage.

The Energy H2 Gas Turbine (E50-H2GT), predicted for 2040, is designed for the 35-50 passenger segment, with jet engines capable of running on hydrogen, sustainable/alternative (SAF) and conventional jet fuel.

In addition to the Energy Project, Embraer is working to make all its types compatible with environmentally friendly operation by 2030. The aerodynamic design of the kite structures used and the various engine technologies are all designed to reduce emissions by 50 percent from 2030, a key step towards achieving net carbon neutrality for the industry by 2050. The Brazilian manufacturer is also continuing development of its next generation turboprop aircraft, capable of carrying up to 150 passengers, which would still use conventional engines but could also operate with clean sustainable fuels (SAF).