Module overview
This module introduces students to low-carbon fuels with a particular emphasis on aerospace applications, addressing the urgent challenge of decarbonising aviation and space transportation. It provides a critical examination of low-carbon fuels, their emissions, and the associated system-level trade-offs across production, storage, handling, and utilisation.
The module focuses on Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) and hydrogen as leading low-carbon alternatives to conventional fossil-based fuels. Students develop a fundamental understanding of fuel production pathways, physico-chemical processes (thermochemical and electrochemical), storage and handling requirements, and integration into aerospace propulsion systems. The analysis also covers emissions characteristics and atmospheric dispersion, linking fuel choice to environmental and climate impacts.
Emphasis is placed on engineering realism, including thermodynamic and energy efficiency limits, safety, certification and regulatory constraints, lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, infrastructure requirements, and techno-economic considerations. By integrating concepts from thermodynamics, systems analysis, pollution assessment, and sustainability, the module equips students to critically evaluate, compare, and recommend low-carbon fuel options for aviation and space applications.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
The Engineer and Society
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Demonstrate awareness of sustainability principles, regulatory frameworks, certification requirements, and ethical responsibilities relevant to aerospace decarbonisation.
- Apply systems-level thinking to assess engineering trade-offs associated with the integration of low-carbon fuels into existing and future aerospace systems.
Engineering analysis
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Analyse complex engineering systems associated with low-carbon fuel pathways by defining appropriate system boundaries, assumptions, and energy and mass balances.
- Critically interpret and evaluate published technical, lifecycle, and techno-economic data, recognising uncertainty, limitations, and implications for engineering decision-making.
Engineering practice
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Communicate complex technical analyses, system-level evaluations, and sustainability arguments clearly and professionally to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Exercise independent engineering judgement and evidence-based reasoning when formulating and justifying recommendations for low-carbon fuel pathways under realistic constraints.
Design and Innovation
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Evaluate alternative low-carbon fuel pathways for aviation and space applications by balancing performance, safety, sustainability, infrastructure compatibility, and economic considerations.
- Apply systems-level thinking to assess engineering trade-offs associated with the integration of low-carbon fuels into existing and future aerospace systems.
Science and Mathematics
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Demonstrate critical understanding of the thermochemical and electrochemical processes underpinning Sustainable Aviation Fuels and hydrogen energy systems.
- Apply advanced scientific and mathematical principles, including thermodynamics and physico-chemical concepts, to understand the production, storage, and utilisation of low-carbon fuels for aerospace applications.
Syllabus
Context and System Requirements
Climate, environmental, and policy drivers for decarbonising aviation and space transportation
Aerospace fuel performance requirements: energy density, operability, safety, certification, and infrastructure compatibility
System-level implications of fuel choice for aircraft and space vehicles
2. Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs)
Definition and classification of SAFs
Feedstocks, supply chains, and sustainability considerations
Production pathways: bio-based, waste-derived, and power-to-liquid routes
Fuel properties, blending limits, and drop-in compatibility with existing engines
3. Hydrogen and Hydrogen-Derived Fuels
Hydrogen as an aerospace energy carrier: opportunities and challenges
Production routes: thermochemical and electrochemical pathways
Storage, distribution, and handling for aviation and space applications
Safety, certification, and infrastructure considerations
4. Fundamental Physico-Chemical Processes
Thermochemical processes underpinning fuel production and upgrading
Electrochemical processes relevant to hydrogen production and utilisation
Energy conversion principles linking fuel properties to system performance
Conceptual treatment of fuel utilisation without detailed combustion chemistry
5. Systems Integration and Performance
Integration of low-carbon fuels into aerospace propulsion and energy systems
Impacts on efficiency, range, payload, and operational flexibility
Trade-offs between performance, safety, and system complexity
6. Environmental Impact, Lifecycle Emissions, and Sustainability
Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions: system boundaries, metrics, assumptions, and uncertainties
Sustainability frameworks, certification principles, and regulatory perspectives
Environmental impacts of CO₂ and non-CO₂ emissions, including contrails and high-altitude effects
Atmospheric dispersion of emissions and implications for air quality and climate
Comparative environmental assessment of SAF and hydrogen pathways across the full lifecycle
7. Techno-Economic Considerations
Cost structures and key economic drivers of low-carbon fuel pathways
Scalability, resource availability, and infrastructure investment
Uncertainty, risk, and sensitivity in techno-economic assessments
8. Future Outlook and Emerging Pathways
Technology readiness levels and deployment challenges
Emerging fuel concepts and hybrid energy systems
Potential pathways for large-scale adoption in aviation and space
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching is delivered primarily through lectures, supported by interactive problem-based workshops. Real-world case studies and contemporary research are used extensively to link theory with industrial practice. Independent study is supported through guided reading, structured coursework tasks, and formative discussions.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Completion of assessment task | 46 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 40 |
| Lecture | 30 |
| Guided independent study | 20 |
| Tutorial | 14 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
IATA sustainability reports.
Journal Articles
Sustainable aviation fuel technologies, costs, emissions, policies, and markets: A critical review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 449, 141472..
"Pathway to net zero: Reviewing sustainable aviation fuels, environmental impacts and pricing." Journal of Air Transport Management 117 (2024): 102580..
Textbooks
Ghoniem, A. F. (2022). Energy Conversion Engineering. Cambridge University Press..
Schäfer, Andreas W., Steven RH Barrett, Khan Doyme, Lynnette M. Dray, Albert R. Gnadt, Rod Self, Aidan O’Sullivan, Athanasios P. Synodinos, and Antonio J. Torija.. "Technological, economic and environmental prospects of all-electric aircraft." Nature Energy 4, no. 2 (2019): 160-166..
Chireshe, F., Petersen, A. M., Ravinath, A., Mnyakeni, L., Ellis, G., Viljoen, H., ... & Görgens, J. F. (2025).. Cost-effective sustainable aviation fuel: Insights from a techno-economic and logistics analysis. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 210, 115157..
Buse, Joachim. Sustainable aviation fuels: Transitioning towards green aviation. CRC Press, 2024..
Lefebvre, Arthur H., and Dilip R. Ballal. Gas turbine combustion: alternative fuels and emissions. CRC press, 2010..
Chong, Cheng Tung, and Jo-Han Ng. Biojet fuel in aviation applications: production, usage and impact of biofuels. Elsevier, 2021..
Ismael, M. A., El-Adawy, M., Farooqi, A. S., Hamdy, M., Shahid, M. Z., Elserfy, Z., & Nemitallah, M. A. (2025).. Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Operational Challenges, Techno-economics, and Life Cycle Analysis. Energy & Fuels..
Turns, Stephen R. Introduction to combustion. 4th edition, NY, USA: McGraw-Hill Companies, 2020..
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Assessment for this module is designed to evaluate both continuous engagement and summative understanding, and is structured as follows: Individual Coursework Assignment (50%) This coursework assignment requires students to carry out a system-level evaluation of low-carbon fuel pathways for aerospace applications, with a focus on Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) or hydrogen. The aim is to develop a realistic and integrated understanding of the full fuel chain, including production, storage, handling, and delivery to the aircraft, and to critically assess the associated energy, environmental, and techno-economic challenges. Students will select two distinct production pathways for either SAF or hydrogen from a list provided. The emphasis of the assignment is on engineering reasoning, consistency of assumptions, and critical interpretation of results, rather than detailed process simulation or advanced modelling. For each selected pathway, students are required to address the following: System Definition and Process Identification Identify and describe the key processes involved in fuel production, storage, handling, and delivery to the aircraft. Clearly define system boundaries, major unit operations, and interfaces between different stages of the fuel chain. Thermodynamic Analysis For processes involving significant energy consumption or chemical transformation: Apply fundamental thermodynamic principles Develop simplified, physically consistent representations of the processes Apply mass and energy balances Estimate efficiencies, losses, and waste energy All assumptions should be clearly stated and justified. Overall System Energy Balance Integrate the individual process analyses to estimate the overall energy balance and indicative efficiency of the complete pathway, from primary energy input to fuel delivery at the aircraft. Techno-Economic Considerations Estimate the main cost contributions across the fuel chain and develop an approximate levelized cost of fuel, based on transparent assumptions and simplified economic reasoning. The objective is to identify dominant cost drivers and sources of uncertainty rather than to produce detailed financial models. Lifecycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Environmental Impact Using published lifecycle assessment (LCA) data and appropriate system boundaries, estimate the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with each pathway. Students are not expected to construct full LCA models, but should demonstrate the ability to interpret, apply, and critically assess existing data. Where relevant, discussion should include the nature of emissions and their broader environmental implications. Comparative Evaluation and Critical Discussion Compare the estimated levelized cost of fuel and lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of the selected pathways with those of conventional fossil-based jet fuel. Based on this comparison: Evaluate the strengths and limitations of each pathway Discuss the robustness of the conclusions in light of assumptions and data uncertainty Propose realistic strategies or improvements to enhance sustainability, cost-effectiveness, or deployability Decision-Maker Perspective From the perspective of advising an aircraft manufacturer, operator, or policymaker in a future deployment timeframe (e.g. 2035), provide a justified recommendation on the preferred pathway. Clearly state the conditions or assumptions under which this recommendation might change. Optional Extension (will be awarded a bonus mark) Students may optionally explore the sensitivity of their conclusions to one or two key assumptions (for example, electricity carbon intensity, energy price, or fuel yield). This is intended to support deeper understanding and will be considered positively where it enhances the quality of the analysis and discussion. Formative Assessment Students will have the opportunity to submit partial or incomplete work during the semester to receive formative feedback. This feedback is intended to support learning, clarify expectations, and improve the quality of the final submission. Formative submissions do not contribute to the final mark. Final Examination (50%) A closed-book written examination assessing students’ understanding of the fundamental principles underpinning low-carbon fuel systems. The examination will test analytical and problem-solving skills related to fuel production, energy conversion, emissions, and system-level trade-offs, as well as the ability to critically compare different SAF and hydrogen production pathways. Feedback Students will receive: Written individual feedback on the coursework assignment, highlighting strengths, areas for improvement, and recommendations for further development Automated and/or brief written feedback on Blackboard quizzes, allowing students to identify misconceptions and monitor progress throughout the module Generic cohort-level feedback on common issues observed in the coursework and quizzes Post-examination feedback, including indicative solutions and discussion of key themes and common misconceptions Formative feedback will also be provided during lectures, tutorials, and workshops to support student learning and assessment preparation.Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Final Exam | 50% |
| Individual assignment | 50% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External