{"id":11357,"date":"2025-06-12T15:14:01","date_gmt":"2025-06-12T13:14:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/reuniwatt.com\/en\/?p=11357"},"modified":"2025-06-18T09:28:07","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T07:28:07","slug":"all-sky-imagers-for-next-level-contrails-observations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reuniwatt.com\/en\/industry-news\/all-sky-imagers-for-next-level-contrails-observations\/","title":{"rendered":"All-sky imagers for next level contrails observations"},"content":{"rendered":"

The European Union has been taking a groundbreaking step in addressing aviation\u2019s climate impact by introducing mandatory monitoring and reporting of non-CO\u2082 emissions, including contrails, from January 2025. This initiative is part of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) framework and represents the first large-scale effort globally to systematically track contrails from flights within the European Economic Area (EEA). Contrails, which form when aircraft exhaust interacts with atmospheric moisture, contribute significantly to aviation\u2019s warming effect\u2014possibly more than CO\u2082 emissions themselves\u2014making their observation critical for sustainable aviation policies in Europe. However, the scope is currently limited: only flights within the EEA and to Switzerland or the UK are included, while long-haul and extra-EEA flights are temporarily exempt, despite these routes accounting for a majority of contrail-related warming.<\/span> This phased approach is intended to ensure data precision and a smooth rollout of the monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) system.<\/span><\/p>\n

All-sky Imagers: Precision Tools for Contrail Observation<\/h2>\n

Reuniwatt\u2019s all-sky imagers, including visible-range imager Sky Cam Vision\u2122<\/a> and infrared imager Sky InSight™<\/a>, provide continuous, high-resolution monitoring of contrails both day and night, complementing satellite data for robust identification and verification. These technologies are crucial for the EU\u2019s MRV requirements, helping distinguish contrails from natural cirrus clouds and capturing the \u201cbig hits\u201d\u2014the few events responsible for most radiative forcing and atmospheric warming. Understanding and forecasting contrail formation and persistence are key to effective mitigation strategies. For a detailed overview, see our article \u201cBig Picture\u201d for the climate impact of contrails<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Ground-Based and Satellite Insights: Identification and Verification<\/h2>\n

Reuniwatt\u2019s imaging systems, enhanced by AI-driven analysis, ensure precise differentiation between contrails and other cloud types. Our webinar, \u201cContrails observations \u2013 From lab to airfield<\/a>\u201d, compares satellite and ground-based approaches and highlights our work at the EUROCONTROL Contrails Observatory. Watch the webinar-on-demand to learn more.<\/p>\n

Forecasting Contrails to Support EU Aviation Decarbonization<\/h2>\n

Forecasting contrail formation is integral to the EU\u2019s aviation decarbonization strategy. By integrating all-sky imagery with numerical weather prediction and AI in the CONTRAILS project, Reuniwatt and partners are enabling more accurate forecasts to guide airlines in contrail avoidance. This supports EU efforts to optimize flight paths and increase sustainable aviation fuel use. For deeper insights, view our webinar \u201cContrails in the Climate System \u2013 Enhancing NWP through Cloud Observation and AI<\/a>\u201d.<\/p>\n

Connect with us for EU Contrail Solutions<\/h2>\n

Reuniwatt\u2019s all-sky imagers and expertise stand ready to support enhanced contrail observation, identification, and forecasting efforts. We already have a network of numerous all-sky imagers available. Contact us to learn how our solutions can support your goals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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