Research Project PACIFIC

Climate Impact of Sustainable Aviation Fuel Variants

Research Project PACIFIC

Climate Impact of Sustainable Aviation Fuel Variants

The PACIFIC project is investigating the effects of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) on the formation of contrails in aviation. To this end, different fuel compositions are being tested for their soot emissions and reduction potential.

go to the project website PACIFIC

The PACIFIC project (Particle emissions, Air Quality and Climate Impact related to Fuel Composition and Engine Cycle) is investigating the relationship between particulate emissions and climate impacts as a function of different fuel compositions and the engine cycle. The aim of the project is to gain a better understanding of the climate impact of non-CO₂ emissions from Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). Non-CO₂ emissions refer to all climate-relevant substances, other than carbon dioxide, that are produced during the combustion process in aircraft engines. Another key focus of the project is the investigation of ice crystal formation in contrails.

The project is led by Airbus and brings together key players from academia and industry within the European aviation sector. At the Institute of Propulsion Technology, a wide range of different fuels is being tested on the Single Sector Combustor test bench. Selected SAF variants are also analysed on the High-Pressure Combustor Test Facility 1 (HBK 1) under real engine conditions. In order to be able to thoroughly evaluate the advantages and effects of the fuel compositions, the project analyses the different SAF variants under controlled conditions. Combustion parameters and boundary conditions for the laboratory tests remain constant across the various trials. In addition, the concentration and particle size distribution of soot particles are analysed during the tests using high-precision measurement technology. This allows for a precise assessment of which fuel compositions are best suited to minimise non-CO₂ effects.

The High-Pressure Combustor Test Facility 1
At the High-Pressure Combustor Test Facility in Cologne, various sustainable aviation fuels are tested for their climate impact under real engine conditions
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Running Time

01.01.2025 – 01.06.2028

Keywords

Sustainable Aviation Fuels, Climate Impact, Condensation Trails

Funded by the European Union
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. The European Union cannot be held responsible for them. Grant agreement: 101172911
Credit:

Europäische Union

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Official Project Website

PACIFIC

Further information on the project partners, project activities and outcomes can be found on the official project website.

Project participants

DLR Institute of Propulsion Technology

Airbus

DLR Institute of Combustion Technology

Neste oyj

Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG

Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz

Rolls-Royce PLC

Helsingin Yliopisto (The University of Helsinki)

The Manchester Metropolitan University

The University of Sheffield

The Cyprus Institute

Cardiff University

ERDYN Consultants

 

News about PACIFIC

March 25, 2025

In search of the best sustainable fuels for climate-compatible aviation

Sustainable Aviation Fuels will play a central role in reducing the climate impact of aviation over the coming years. A study by EASA has identified six measures for achieving the fastest possible emission reductions with SAF, including their targeted design to minimise soot formation.

Contact

Dr.-Ing. Bertram Janus

Head of Department
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Propulsion Technology
Combustor
51147 Köln