As the world moves towards a cleaner, more sustainable future, the aviation industry is faced with the challenge of reducing its carbon footprint. With the industry responsible for around 2% of global carbon emissions, finding a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels is crucial. Hydrogen is one potential solution that has been gaining attention in recent years. In this article, we will explore the role of hydrogen as a fuel for aviation and the potential benefits and challenges it presents.

What is hydrogen fuel ?

Hydrogen fuel is a zero-emission fuel that can be produced from a variety of sources, including water, natural gas, and biomass. When used in fuel cells, hydrogen reacts with oxygen to produce electricity, heat, and water, with no harmful emissions. Hydrogen can also be used as a fuel in combustion engines, with the only byproduct being water vapor.

Why hydrogen for aviation ?

The aviation industry is one of the most carbon-intensive industries, with airplanes burning vast amounts of fossil fuels and emitting large amounts of greenhouse gases. As the industry continues to grow, so too does its environmental impact. Hydrogen presents an opportunity to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint by providing a clean, sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.

Hydrogen also has the potential to offer other benefits to the aviation industry. For example, hydrogen-powered planes are likely to be quieter than conventional planes, which could have significant benefits for communities living near airports. Hydrogen could also enable planes to fly longer distances, potentially opening up new routes and expanding the global aviation network.

Challenges and barriers

While hydrogen presents significant potential benefits, there are also significant challenges and barriers to overcome before it can become a mainstream fuel for aviation. One of the biggest challenges is the infrastructure required to produce, store, and transport hydrogen. The production of hydrogen is energy-intensive, and currently, most hydrogen is produced using fossil fuels. To be truly sustainable, hydrogen must be produced using renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power.

Another challenge is the storage and transportation of hydrogen. Hydrogen has a low energy density, which means it requires a larger storage space than conventional fuels. This presents a challenge for airplanes, which have limited space for fuel storage. Additionally, hydrogen is a highly flammable gas, which requires careful handling and safety measures.

The cost of hydrogen is another significant barrier to its widespread adoption in aviation. Currently, the production of hydrogen is more expensive than conventional fuels, and the infrastructure required to support hydrogen as a fuel is also costly. However, as technology improves and the demand for hydrogen grows, the cost is likely to come down.

Current developments and future outlook

Despite the challenges, several companies and organizations are already exploring the potential of hydrogen as a fuel for aviation. In September 2020, Airbus revealed three concepts for hydrogen-powered planes that could enter commercial service by 2035. Other companies, including Boeing and ZeroAvia, are also developing hydrogen-powered planes and engines.

In addition to the development of hydrogen-powered planes, there is also a growing interest in using hydrogen as a fuel for ground operations at airports. This could include using hydrogen-powered ground support equipment and buses, reducing emissions from airport operations.

As the aviation industry continues to grow and the pressure to reduce carbon emissions increases, hydrogen presents an exciting opportunity to provide a clean, sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. While there are significant challenges to overcome, the potential benefits make hydrogen a fuel worth exploring and investing in. By working together, the aviation industry, governments, and other stakeholders can create a more sustainable future for air travel.