Embraer unveils zero-emission hyrdrogen and electric concept aircraft

A fully electric plane with zero operating emissions and capable of seating nine people should be ready by 2035. The Energia Electric (E9-FE) will feature aft contra-rotating propellers and have a relatively short range of 200nm. However, it will be quiet with 80 percent lower external noise.

Also due by 2035, is another zero operating emissions plane using hydrogen-electric propulsion featuring rear-mounted electric engines, the Energia H2 Fuel Cell (E19-H2FC). This will take up to 19 passengers and will also have a range of about 200nm.

By 2040, Embraer’s vision is the Energia H2 Gas Turbine (E50-H2GT) will be powered by hydrogen or sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to maximize operational flexibility and reduce aircraft weight. The modified rear-mounted gas turbine engines will allow it to carry 35 to 50 passengers between 350 and 500nm It will have zero operational emissions and 60 percent lower external noise.

Embraer already has experience in the aircraft emissions space, having tested drop-in sustainable fuel mixes on its E-Jets. It plans to have all its aircraft SAF-compatible by 2030.

It has also flown a single-engine electric demonstrator, the EMB-203, and plans to have a hydrogen fuel-cell demonstrator by 2025. Its eVTOL, a fully electric, zero-emissions vertical takeoff and landing vehicle, is being developed for entry into service in 2026.

“We will see a big transformation in our industry towards a more sustainable aviation,’’ said Embraer Commercial Aviation CEO Arjan Meijer. “With 50 years experience in developing, certifying and supporting regional aircraft, Embraer is in a unique position to make viable the introduction of new disruptive green technologies.”