The transition to sustainable energy systems is driving rapid innovation in both green fuels and advanced combustion technologies. Green fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and advanced biofuels are emerging as promising alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, offering the potential for significant reductions in greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions. However, their practical deployment is challenged by unique combustion characteristics, such as low flame speeds, high ignition temperatures, and the formation of nitrogen oxides (NOx) even in carbon-free fuel systems.

To address these issues, innovative combustion strategies, including plasma-assisted ignition, MILD (Moderate or Intense Low-oxygen Dilution) combustion, and advanced fuel-flexible burners, are being developed to enhance efficiency, stability, and emissions control. These systems are designed not only to accommodate the specific properties of green fuels but also to ensure safe, reliable, and scalable operation in turbomachinery applications ranging from aircraft propulsion to stationary power generation. Recent advances in non-thermal plasma technology, for example, have shown promise in enabling cleaner hydrogen and ammonia combustion by generating reactive radicals at low temperatures, thus improving ignition and reducing pollutant formation. Ongoing research focuses on optimizing fuel production pathways, improving engine and combustor design, and integrating emission reduction technologies, ultimately supporting global decarbonization and the realization of net-zero energy goals.

This Research Topic is devoted to exploring the latest technology and research on low-emission propulsion, alternative fuels, and energy-efficient systems designed to decarbonize the aerospace and turbomachinery sectors.

• Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Hydrogen and ammonia propulsion: feasibility, combustion characteristics, and integration challenges.

• Electric and hybrid-electric aircraft: advances in battery technology, fuel cells, and hybrid architectures.

• Sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs): development, life cycle analysis, and regulatory considerations.

• Plasma-assisted combustion: improving efficiency and reducing emissions with plasma technologies.

• Advanced thermal management systems: waste heat recovery and cooling strategies for sustainable propulsion.

• AI and Digital Twin applications to optimize performance and predictive maintenance for propulsion and turbomachinery.

This Research Topic will help advance science and technology in the field of sustainable transportation and power generation, as well as regulatory frameworks, to enable the faster adoption of clean propulsion systems and sustainable energy systems. Research contributions from academia, industry, and research institutions dedicated to supporting the future of green aviation and energy are welcome.

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Green Fuels and Innovative Combustion Systems