THE BENEFITS OF HYDROGEN IN AVIATION

1. Offers a pathway to ‘true zero’ aviation as it produces no CO2 emissions.

2. Higher energy density than batteries, opening up the potential for hydrogen aircraft to fly longer distances than their electric counterparts.

3. Once the necessary airport infrastructure is in place, hydrogen-powered aircraft can be refuelled and turned around in about the same time as jet-fuelled planes.

4. Green hydrogen is produced from renewable sources, such as solar and wind power. This makes it a sustainable option for the future of aviation.

5. The economic benefits of hydrogen can be evenly shared, with many developing countries looking to become hydrogen hubs. For example, India is investing heavily in green hydrogen while also becoming the world’s biggest aviation growth market The end result will be economic benefits and a ready-made decarbonisation solution in some of the world’s major aviation growth markets.

6. It makes economic sense. According to European NGO Transport & Environment (T&E), with the right incentives, running a hydrogen plane could be cheaper than running a conventional aircraft by 2035.

Green hydrogen also plays a part in producing so-called e-fuels. These are made by combining green hydrogen with captured carbon dioxide, and we have talked about them more in our recent SAF report.

How The Benefits Of Hydrogen Aviation Can Accrue Worldwide

By 2042, there are expected to be 685 million passenger flights in India, compared to 165 million today. A Barclays report shows that India has the second-largest backlog of orders from the major aircraft manufacturers, after the United States. All those extra flights imply extra carbon.

Here, hydrogen is the key – India has a $2.11 billion incentive plan to kick-start the country’s green hydrogen industry.

African countries also see significant potential in green hydrogen. A report by the European Investment Bank, the International Solar Alliance and the African Union talks about a $1 trillion economic opportunity for the continent.

Producing green hydrogen, of course, requires water and renewable energy. India boasts some of the world's most affordable solar energy, while Morocco is home to the vast Noor Ouarzazate solar complex, utilising Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technology for 24-hour electricity in desert regions.

Concerning water, essential for green hydrogen production, the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) says that the global water supply impact is minimal. They highlight that water usage for green hydrogen is often lower than for fossil fuel-derived hydrogen. In waterscarce regions, alternatives like treated wastewater or desalinated seawater can reduce dependence on freshwater.

Thus, countries outside North America and Europe can produce green hydrogen without overburdening local resources, positively impacting their economies.

India, with its expanding aviation industry, presents a prime opportunity for decarbonisation via green hydrogen. E-fuel companies can position near airports, utilising abundant renewable energy and subsidised green hydrogen for local jet fuel production. Furthermore, aircraft companies looking at hydrogen-powered planes have opportunities to set up shop in nations supporting green hydrogen and collaborate with local airports to enhance storage and refuelling facilities.

Green hydrogen is a global solution. In our SAF report, we were struck by how almost all SAF companies are in Europe and North America. In 2021, 80% of the world’s SAF supply was actually in California.