Background: Avgas 100LL and the lead additive TEL
Piston engines, which are widely used in small aircraft, require fuel with a high octane rating in order to work reliably. The additive TEL ensures that Avgas 100LL fulfils this requirement. At the same time, TEL is a leaded product and highly toxic, which makes its use increasingly questionable.
EU legislation actually provides for the processing of TELs in the EU from the 1 May 2025 in order to minimise environmental and health risks. Nevertheless, the manufacturer's application Shell by the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) with a recommendation for approval to the EU Commission. It is therefore highly likely that a derogation will be granted for the production of Avgas 100LL, which will be valid until April 2032 applies. Shell is to be followed by other European producers such as Waiter and Trafigura/Puma follow.
Why the extension?
The extension of the licence was approved by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) examined and approved in an "Opinion". The final official decision now lies with the EU Commission.
The main reason: there is still no market-ready alternative to Avgas 100LL for aircraft with piston engines. Without such an alternative, the operation of many aircraft in Europe would no longer be possible, which would result in both economic and operational problems for general aviation.
The decision in Europe also influences developments in the USA, where the largest market for avgas is located. The United States is planning to make TEL 2030 completely from aviation petrol. European manufacturers and users thus benefit from the progress made on the US market and gain time to adapt these technologies.
Unleaded avgas: the state of research
Despite the extension until 2032, manufacturers and researchers are working intensively on a lead-free alternative. However, such a product must not only fulfil the technical requirements of aircraft engines, but also be certified and approved worldwide.
Some progress has already been made:
- GAMI (General Aviation Modifications, Inc.) has developed a lead-free alternative in the USA called G100UL which has already been tested in certain aircraft.
- Shell Aviation and other providers are also working on solutions that can be used internationally.
The main focus is on shortening the transition period for the introduction of lead-free fuels in order to minimise the environmental and health risks of TEL.
Significance of the decision for Europe
The extension is particularly beneficial for Pilots and aircraft owners safety, as the operation of its aircraft is guaranteed until 2032. At the same time, it enables the industry to gradually switch to new technologies without jeopardising flight operations in the short term.
However, there are also critical voices:
- Environmental organisations warn of the risks that TEL continues to pose to people and nature.
- Some experts fear that the extension could reduce the pressure to innovate and quickly develop a lead-free alternative.
Outlook: The road to a lead-free future
The decision to allow the production of Avgas 100LL with TEL until 2032 is a compromise between the requirements of the aviation industry and the goals of environmental protection. However, one thing is clear: TEL should disappear from aviation petrol as soon as possible.
Europe will benefit greatly from developments in the USA, which could pave the way for a global switch to unleaded avgas by 2030. The coming years will show whether the aviation industry can overcome its technical and regulatory challenges to make the skies not only safer, but also cleaner.
Source references:
https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/0f4b5afd-3ab2-58cd-0d61-a6100824c923
