Embraer Executive Jets has adopted aggressive long-term sustainability goals that include achieving carbon neutrality by 2040, reaching net-zero carbon growth starting in 2022 and meeting industry goals to execute zero emissions by 2050.

In pursuit of this ‘Sustainability in Action’ initiative, the Brazilian manufacturer Embraer has partnered with an international consortium of engineering universities, aeronautical research institutes and private enterprises to explore ways of using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in commercial aircraft designs.

In a dramatic move in November, Embraer unveiled its new ‘Energia’ family of four concept aircraft of varying sizes that incorporate different propulsion technologies. The launch was broadcast live via YouTube from its manufacturing facility in São José dos Campos.

The Energia Family comprises:

E9-HE Energia Hybrid – 9 seats, rear-mounted engines, reduction of up to 90% CO2 emissions – hybrid-electric power – technology ready 2030.

E9-FE Energia Electric – 9 seats, aft contra-rotating propellers, zero CO2 emissions – full electric power – technology ready 2035.

E19-H2FC Energia H2 Fuel Cell – 19 seats, rear-mounted electric engines, zero CO2 emissions – hydrogen electric power – technology ready 2035.

E50-H2GT Energia H2 Gas Turbine – 35-50 seats, rear-mounted engines, up to 100% CO2 emissions reductions – Hydrogen or SAF/JetA turbine power – technology ready 2040.

“We’re working right now to refine the first airplane concepts, the ones that can start reducing emissions sooner rather than later. Small aircraft are ideal on which to test and prove new propulsion technologies so that they can be scaled up to larger aircraft. That’s why our Energia family is such an important platform,” said Luis Carlos Affonso, Embraer’s Sr. VP of Engineering, Technology and Corporate Strategy.