Embraer has announced it will explore four new aircraft concepts using renewable propulsion technologies to help the industry achieve its goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The four ‘Energia Family’ concept aircraft, which will incorporate different propulsion technologies including electric, hydrogen fuel cell, dual fuel gas turbine, and hybrid-electric, were revealed at the company’s latest ‘Sustainability in Action’ initiative on Monday.

Embraer’s senior vice president of engineering, technology and corporate strategy Luis Carlos Affonso said: “We see our role as a developer of novel technologies to help the industry achieve its sustainability targets. There’s no easy or single solution in getting to net zero.

“New technologies and their supporting infrastructure will come online over time. 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.”

Embraer also announced that it has partnered with an international consortium of engineering universities, aeronautical research institutes, and small and medium-sized enterprises to better understand energy harvesting, storage, thermal management and their applications for sustainable aircraft propulsion.

Commenting on the company’s sustainability strategy, Embraer Commercial Aviation’s CEO Arjan Meijer said: “We will see a big transformation in our industry towards a more sustainable aviation. 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.”