The aviation industry accounts for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions. As the world grapples with the urgent need to decarbonize, the sector faces mounting pressure to innovate.
Hydrogen aviation has emerged as a potential solution, but its viability remains a subject of intense debate. Can hydrogen truly revolutionize air travel, or is it merely a high-altitude dream? Bernard van Dijk and Dr. Swapnil Jagtap discussed this in our latest Face 2 Face.
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Hydrogen-powered aviation is not a new concept. In fact, hydrogen was considered a potential fuel source as early as the 1950s. However, the technology was sidelined in favor of kerosene-based jet fuels, which offered higher energy density and easier storage. Today, with the climate crisis intensifying, hydrogen is back in the spotlight.
One of the most significant barriers to hydrogen aviation is the lack of infrastructure. Unlike conventional jet fuel, hydrogen requires specialized storage and transportation systems. Liquid hydrogen, the most practical form for aviation, must be stored at -253°C, necessitating cryogenic tanks and advanced cooling systems.
Airports, too, would need to undergo massive overhauls to accommodate hydrogen refueling. A 2022 report by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) estimates that retrofitting a single major airport for hydrogen could cost upwards of $1 billion. For a global industry that relies on a network of over 17,000 commercial airports, the financial and logistical challenges are staggering.
Even if the infrastructure were in place, the aircraft themselves present another hurdle. Hydrogen has a lower energy density by volume compared to kerosene, meaning planes would need larger fuel tanks. This could lead to significant design changes, such as elongated fuselages or blended wing bodies, to accommodate the additional space required.
For hydrogen aviation to be truly sustainable, the hydrogen itself must be green—produced using renewable energy. Currently, less than 1% of global hydrogen production is green, with the majority derived from fossil fuels. Scaling up green hydrogen production to meet aviation’s needs would require a massive expansion of renewable energy capacity.
The economic viability of hydrogen aviation is another critical factor. While the cost of green hydrogen is expected to decline as production scales up, it remains significantly more expensive than conventional jet fuel. A 2023 analysis by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) estimates that hydrogen-powered flights could be 2-4 times more expensive per passenger-kilometer than current flights.
Political will and regulatory support will also play a crucial role. Governments and international bodies must establish clear policies and incentives to encourage investment in hydrogen aviation. The European Union’s Hydrogen Strategy, which aims to install 40 gigawatts of electrolyzer capacity by 2030, is a step in the right direction. However, global coordination will be essential to ensure a cohesive and effective transition.
The aviation industry stands at a critical crossroads. Hydrogen offers a promising path to decarbonization, but the road ahead is riddled with technical, economic, and logistical challenges. While the vision of hydrogen-powered flights is compelling, its realization will require unprecedented collaboration between governments, industry players, and researchers.
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