The “Clean Sky” joint technology initiative has launched a €25 million first call for proposals for research on cleaner air transport.

“The new step taken today by Clean Sky highlights the joint commitment of the European Commission and the European air transport industry to develop breakthrough technologies to significantly reduce the impact of air transport on the environment and strengthen the competitiveness of this vital sector for Europe’s economy,” said Janez Potočnik, EU commissioner for research.

Through the Clean Sky initiative, the European Commission and the EU air transport industry aim to address the challenges of air pollution, noise and climate change. Clean Sky’s objective is to demonstrate and validate the technology breakthroughs needed to reach Europe’s key environmental goals for air transport for 2020: a 50-per cent reduction of CO2 emissions through drastic reduction of fuel consumption, an 80-per cent reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions and a 50-per cent reduction of external noise.

Clean Sky’s first call for proposals covers 72 individual research topics in five major areas: Green Regional Aircraft, Green Rotorcraft, Sustainable and Green Engines, SMART Fixed Wing Air and Systems for Green Operations. The combined budget of all work topics in this call is €35.4 million, with maximum funding to a level of €25.6 million. Depending on the nature of the participant, the funding will be between 50 per cent and 75 per cent of the topic’s maximum budget.

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