The UNIC project (Understanding Non-CO₂ Impact for deCarbonized aviation ) is a scientific initiative designed to better characterize, quantify, and help mitigate the environmental impact of non-CO₂ emissions, which are understood to make up the largest portion of aviation’s total climate forcing.
The project’s research centers on the complex chemical and physical properties of aircraft engine emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter, specifically non-volatile particulate matter (nvPM), especially when emitted at cruise altitudes.
By employing advanced in-flight and test-cell measurement technologies, the project will generate data across a range of engine technologies and configurations, including those utilizing Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and even simulating hydrogen (H₂) combustion.
This technical focus extends to the characterization of soot-regime particles and their role as ice-nucleating particles in the formation of contrail-cirrus.
Through the integration of empirical data UNIC could help enhance the predictive accuracy of contrail effective radiative forcing, thereby providing a robust evidence base for future international regulatory standards and environmental policy frameworks.
Env-isa is joined in the research consortium by ONERA – The French Aerospace Lab, Cardiff University, The Manchester Metropolitan University, National Research Council Canada, Pegasor Oy, SMHI, Tampere University, University of Helsinki, University of Reading, and ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences.
For more information and updates, you can follow UNIC on LinkedIn and visit the project website.