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Embraer reveals hybrid and hydrogen progress
Wednesday, 7 December 2022
Since Embraer announced its Energia concepts last year it has been busy evaluating different architectures and propulsion systems. These efforts have resulted in the updates of its concepts for 19-30 seat designs.

Embraer has revealed new aircraft concepts as part of the company's progress report on Energia - its initiative to take the aviation industry to carbon net-zero by 2050.

A year on from Embraer's Sustainability in Action in event, which detailed the study of four new aircraft concepts powered by new technologies and renewable energies, the company has been focusing on two 19-30 seater designs for hybrid electric and hydrogen electric propulsion. Guided by inputs from airlines and joint studies with engine OEMs, it believes these two approaches offer a technically realistic and economically feasible pathway to net-zero.

The Energia Hybrid (E19-HE and E30-HE) was revealed as a nine seater in 2021, and 19 and 30 seater variants are under consideration. These would have parallel hybrid-electric rear-mounted engines providing up to 90% CO2 emissions reduction when using SAF, and achieve technology readiness by the early 2030s.

The Energia H2 Fuel Cell (E19-H2FC and E30-H2FC) was revealed as a 19 seater in 2021, and Embraer is also exploring a 30 seater variant. This would have hydrogen electric propulsion with zero CO2 emissions and achieve technology readiness in 2035.

While still at the evaluation phase, the architectures and technologies are being assessed for technical and commercial viability. The Energia Advisory Group has also been launched to harness inputs and collaboration from partner airlines.

Arjan Meijer, President and CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation, says, “I believe we have set bold but realistic goals for these concepts to come to market. Since we announced our Energia concepts last year, we have been busy evaluating different architectures and propulsion systems. These efforts have resulted in the updates of our concepts that we are sharing with you today. A number of airlines are part of our Energia Advisory Group, the experience and knowledge they bring to the study will be key to accelerate to the next phases.”

“As new propulsion technologies will be first applied on smaller aircraft, Embraer is in a unique position. The 19 and 30 seaters are sensible starting points for focused studies since they are likely to present earlier technical and economical readiness,” adds Luis Carlos Affonso, Senior VP of Engineering, Technology and Corporate Strategy, Embraer. “While the challenges of net-zero are significant, in less than 25 years our commercial aircraft have already reduced fuel burn and CO2 emissions by almost 50% on a seat/mile basis, using only conventional fuels and propulsion. I'm convinced net-zero is a goal we can reach,”

Contact details from our directory:
Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. Airframer
Related aircraft programs:
Embraer Energia Family