21st Aug 2023
The aviation industry, like many others, has been in the process of navigating its sustainability agenda. One of the leading solutions being considered to address the aviation industry’s environmental footprint is hydrogen fuel. Given its zero carbon emissions during usage, this alternative fuel source may provide an efficient path toward a green and sustainable future for the aviation sector 1.
Hydrogen as a game-changer
Hydrogen, the most abundant chemical element in the universe, holds significant potential for energy production. Its energy yield per mass is nearly three times that of traditional jet fuel, making it an attractive prospect for the aviation industry. This, coupled with its potential for zero-emission flight, is propelling its development as a viable alternative fuel for aviation 2.
Driving Factors for hydrogen adoption
Environmental Considerations
An increasing emphasis on reducing carbon footprints is pushing various industries to explore cleaner energy sources. Hydrogen fuel promises to lower carbon emissions significantly, as its only byproduct is water vapor. With climate change being a pressing global issue, the switch to hydrogen fuel could be instrumental in reducing the industry’s environmental impact 3.
Technological Innovations
Technological advancements are making hydrogen fuel a more viable option for aviation. Advancements in fuel cell technology, hydrogen storage, and aircraft design are enabling this transition. Furthermore, the development of liquid hydrogen fuel, which has a higher energy density than its gaseous form, could significantly reduce storage issues in aircraft 4.
Policy Support
Green hydrogen is already a focal point of the US Department of Energy’s projects, which intend to lower the cost of renewable hydrogen production by 80% over the next decade. This support is crucial to driving the adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy source. Financial incentives such as tax credits and subsidies further incentivize the development and deployment of hydrogen technologies 4.
Airline companies exploring hydrogen energy
The potential of hydrogen as an alternative fuel has captured the attention of forward-thinking airline companies. These firms are either investing in research and development efforts to assess the viability of hydrogen or exploring collaborations with innovative startups working on hydrogen-based solutions for aviation.
United Airlines (UAL), a prominent player, is deeply committed to reducing its carbon footprint and aims to achieve 100% green by eliminating all its greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. As part of this journey, it is exploring hydrogen fuel as a potential solution for decarbonizing its fleet. Hydrogen fuel cells have the advantage of producing zero emissions when used in aircraft, making them an attractive option for sustainable aviation 5.
JetBlue Airways (JBLU), aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, is also tapping into the potential of hydrogen fuel 6. These airlines have a significant commitment to achieving a more sustainable future for aviation, heralding a potential shift in how we view air travel and its environmental impact.
The path to hydrogen aviation
Transitioning to hydrogen fuel involves overcoming various challenges. These include the development of efficient storage solutions for hydrogen on aircraft, infrastructure for hydrogen production and distribution, and aircraft designs that can accommodate hydrogen propulsion systems 7.
Significant investment in hydrogen would be needed to build infrastructure for production, distribution, and refuelling. This would involve developing efficient and safe means for storing and transporting hydrogen. Furthermore, airports would need to be equipped with hydrogen refueling stations, and safety protocols would need to be established 7.
The adoption of hydrogen fuel would also require changes in aircraft design due to the volume of hydrogen needed to provide the same energy as jet fuel, requiring more storage space. However, technological advancements are addressing this challenge, with new aircraft designs being developed that can accommodate larger fuel tanks without compromising efficiency 8.
Lastly, transitioning to hydrogen fuel would necessitate the establishment of a regulatory framework to ensure safety and efficiency. This would involve setting standards for hydrogen production, storage, and usage in aviation 7.
The potential impact on the aviation industry
A successful transition to hydrogen fuel could revolutionize the aviation industry. It would not only provide a solution to the industry’s environmental challenges but also offer a more efficient fuel option. The use of hydrogen fuel could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the aviation industry, contributing to global efforts to mitigate climate change. Given its high energy yield per mass, hydrogen could provide a more efficient fuel solution, reducing fuel consumption and associated costs.
Moreover, the development and adoption of hydrogen fuel could stimulate innovation within the aviation industry. This could involve the creation of new aircraft designs, propulsion systems, and fuel storage solutions, contributing to the industry’s growth and evolution 9.
While the transition to hydrogen fuel presents certain challenges, its potential benefits make it an attractive prospect for the aviation industry. Through technological advancements, supportive policy frameworks, and the establishment of a robust hydrogen infrastructure, this alternative fuel source could revolutionize the industry and pave the way for a sustainable aviation future.
1 https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/travel-logistics-and-infrastructure/our-insights/how-airlines-can-chart-a-path-to-zero-carbon-flying
2 https://www.airbus.com/en/innovation/low-carbon-aviation/hydrogen
3 https://www.iea.org/fuels-and-technologies/hydrogen
4 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360319923009187
5 https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/company/global-citizenship/environment.html
6 https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221206005740/en/JetBlue-Announces-Science-based-Emissions-Reduction-Target-and-Strategy-to-Achieve-Net-Zero-by-2040
7 https://simpleflying.com/hydrogen-powered-aircraft-major-challenges/
8 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360319923009187
9 https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/news/2020-10-hydrogen-fuel-cells-explained