The electrification of aviation is a crucial step toward reducing CO₂ emissions in air travel, which accounts for around two percent of global emissions and remains one of the fastest-growing transportation sectors. To meet the ambitious climate goals of the European Green Deal, new technologies are needed that improve energy efficiency and replace fossil fuels.
One promising approach is the development of so-called structural batteries: energy storage systems that also serve as load-bearing components within the aircraft, thereby saving weight and materials. In Episode 78 of the ÖAMTC podcast "Was uns bewegt," AIT expert Helmut Kühnelt discusses the potential and challenges of this technology, explaining how structural batteries could advance the next generation of eco-friendly aircraft.
The latest episode is available here (in German): https://www.oeamtc.at/podcast/