Multi-Sensor Physics-Informed Contrail Detection, Radiative Forcing Estimation and Interactive Climate Analyticscore
E-CONTRAIL 2 · Horizon Europe grant · 2026-06-01–2028-11-30
EC contribution
Total cost
Beneficiaries
About the data
Source: CORDIS (official EU open data), Horizon Europe. Framework HORIZON · call HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03 · scheme HORIZON-JU-RIA · topic HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03-WA1-1. CORDIS record →
Objective
Climate change has reached a critical juncture, with 2024 the first year where global average temperatures exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Aviation, responsible for 2–3% of global CO2 emissions, contributes even more through non-CO2 effects—especially contrails and aviation-induced cloudiness—which account for about 2/3 of its radiative forcing. Yet large uncertainties remain due to model spread, regional variability, and incomplete observations. E-CONTRAIL 2 addresses this challenge by delivering an open, end-to-end capability for detecting, tracking, and quantifying the climate impact of contrails and aviation-induced cloudiness in Europe. The project pursues four objectives: O-1 creates labelled multi-sensor contrail datasets in Europe, openly shared via the ContrailNet portal. O-2 develops a physics-informed, data-driven framework embedding atmospheric dynamics into neural networks for robust contrail detection and tracking in multispectral imagery. O-3 quantifies contrail and cirrus RF by combining multi-platform observations with radiative transfer modelling. O-4 extends the E-CONTRAIL dashboard, incorporating 3D visualisation, animations, and contrail outbreak prediction for user-ready decision support. Methodologically, datasets from GEO/LEO satellites, LIDAR/RADAR, and ground cameras feed physics-informed AI models that link weather forecasts and traffic demand to RF estimates. E-CONTRAIL 2 directly meets the expected outcomes of the call: Outcome 1, by providing accurate, evidence-based data on contrail climate impacts; and Outcome 2, by aligning with the Aviation Non-CO2 Expert Network (ANCEN) and contributing to a coordinated European approach that informs international policy. By sharply reducing uncertainties and delivering AI- and data-driven quantitative assessments, E-CONTRAIL 2 will empower policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders with reliable evidence to support effective climate mitigation strategies.
Beneficiaries (7)
| Organisation | Country | Role | EC contribution | SME |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNIVERSIDAD CARLOS III DE MADRID | ES | coordinator | €163,612 | |
| INSTITUT ROYAL METEOROLOGIQUE DE BELGIQUE | BE | participant | €250,750 | |
| REUNIWATT | FR | participant | €209,998 | Yes |
| INSTITUT ROYAL D'AERONOMIE SPATIALE DE BELGIQUE | BE | participant | €180,125 | |
| TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT DELFT | NL | participant | €138,190 | |
| THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO | CA | participant | €57,308 | |
| EUROCONTROL - EUROPEAN ORGANISATION FOR THE SAFETY OF AIR NAVIGATION | BE | participant | €0 |
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