Building a Global Framework for Hydrogen-Powered Aviation

Building a Global Framework for Hydrogen-Powered Aviation
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Sep 03, 2024

Airbus is progressing toward the goal of introducing hydrogen-powered aircraft by 2035. While significant advancements in engineering are being made, an equally crucial aspect of this vision is the development of a comprehensive global hydrogen ecosystem.

Hydrogen is seen as a highly promising energy source for reducing carbon emissions in industrial processes. When utilized, it generates minimal carbon dioxide emissions, and when produced from renewable sources-known as green hydrogen-it offers an almost zero carbon footprint.

As large-scale production of green hydrogen ramps up to meet the global demand for decarbonization across various sectors, the cost is expected to decrease significantly. According to projections from the International Energy Agency (IEA), International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and McKinsey, widespread adoption across industries will drive these cost reductions.

Renewable hydrogen is anticipated to play a pivotal role in decarbonizing numerous industries in the coming decades. Its specific energy-per-unit mass is three times higher than that of conventional jet fuel, making it a more efficient decarbonized energy source than alternatives like batteries. For the aviation industry, this makes hydrogen a key component in the effort to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

Airbus has introduced four hydrogen-powered aircraft concepts and aims to have one in service by 2035. However, the success of this initiative depends not only on the aircraft technology but also on establishing a reliable supply and distribution network for hydrogen at airports. Without accessible hydrogen supplies, the potential of hydrogen-powered aircraft cannot be fully realized.

Hydrogen Hubs at Airports Network
To address this challenge, Airbus established the Hydrogen Hubs at Airports network. This collaborative effort brings together airlines, airports, industry partners, energy providers, and technology specialists to explore critical questions: How will hydrogen-powered aircraft impact airport infrastructure? Where will renewable hydrogen be sourced? And how will it be distributed within regions?

Airbus and its partners are exploring the feasibility of hydrogen-powered aviation by developing a decarbonized ecosystem that includes facilities, ground operations, and transportation at airports worldwide. This comprehensive approach considers the entire supply chain-from green hydrogen production to cost, logistics, and the infrastructure required for long-distance pipelines and distribution networks.

End-to-End Hydrogen Supply Chain
The production of green hydrogen, which involves water electrolysis powered by renewable or low-carbon electricity, is the first step. This method is essential for achieving aviation decarbonization goals. After production, hydrogen is typically liquefied, a process that can occur at the production site or separately.

Once produced, hydrogen must be transported to airports. For smaller demands, liquid hydrogen can be delivered by truck or ship, with tanker ship prototypes under development. For higher demand levels, repurposing existing European and US pipeline networks to transport gaseous hydrogen over long distances is a cost-effective solution. Liquefaction would then occur near the airport. Existing natural gas pipelines can be adapted for hydrogen transport with minimal modifications, and Europe and North America have plans to expand hydrogen pipeline infrastructure. For instance, the European Hydrogen Backbone initiative outlines a continent-wide network of hydrogen infrastructure.

At the airport, hydrogen would be stored in insulated cylindrical tanks, with additional infrastructure such as loading docks and vent masts for boil-off management. This hydrogen would power not only aircraft but also ground transportation and airport vehicles.

Expanding the Network and Achieving Results
The Airbus hydrogen network now includes 215 airports, alongside numerous energy providers and airlines. New partnerships are regularly being established-July 2024 saw the launch of Hydrogen Hubs in Spain and at Gatwick Airport in the UK. Early partnerships are already yielding results, offering valuable insights into preparing for ZEROe's anticipated entry into service in 2035.

For instance, it has been shown that a 100-seat hydrogen-powered aircraft can be supported by remote hydrogen production and liquefaction, with supply delivered by truck-a model that is both simple and scalable. In contrast, supporting 200-seat aircraft will require extensive hydrogen infrastructure at airports and proximity to hydrogen pipelines or high-voltage power lines.

Pricing remains a critical consideration. Although hydrogen is already used at some airports for non-aviation purposes, further support and incentives are needed to make renewable hydrogen production and transport economically viable. Airbus and its partners have found that hydrogen prices vary significantly depending on location and production center availability.

Airlines play a crucial role as network catalysts, sharing the ambition to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and supporting all decarbonization efforts, including hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Looking Ahead
Much work remains before hydrogen-powered flight becomes a reality in 2035. However, the growing number of partners in this initiative highlights that it is a shared goal, not an isolated ambition. As society increasingly adopts sustainable energy sources to meet climate targets, the importance of renewable hydrogen continues to grow. Airbus looks forward to welcoming new regions and partners to the Hydrogen Hubs at Airports initiative, all united in the goal of decarbonizing the aviation industry and achieving the vision of ZEROe flight.