Decarbonization of aviation via hydrogen propulsion: technology performance targets and energy system impacts

TL;DR

This paper assesses hydrogen propulsion for aviation, identifying performance targets and analyzing energy system impacts, showing potential for decarbonizing regional flights with minimal payload loss and cost-effective hydrogen production.

Contribution

It quantifies performance targets for hydrogen fuel cells and storage, and evaluates energy infrastructure impacts under deep decarbonization scenarios in Europe.

Findings

Minimal payload reduction needed for regional flights up to 1000 nmi.

Hydrogen production costs can be as low as 3.5 Euros/kg.

Utilization of multiple hydrogen production technologies is crucial.

Abstract

The aviation sector is challenging to decarbonize since aircraft require high power and energy per unit of weight. Liquid hydrogen is an interesting solution due to its high gravimetric energy density, minimal warming impact, and low-carbon production potential. We quantify the performance targets for fuel cell systems and on-board storage to enable hydrogen-powered regional aviation. We then explore the energy infrastructure impacts of meeting this additional H2 demand in the European context under deep decarbonization scenarios. We find that minimal payload reduction would be needed for powering regional aviation up to 1000 nmi if fuel cell system specific power of 2 kW/kg and tank gravimetric index of 50% can be achieved. The energy systems analysis highlights the importance of utilizing multiple technology options: such as nuclear expansion and natural gas reforming with CCS for hydrogen production. Levelized cost of liquid hydrogen as low as 3.5 Euros/kg demonstrates pathways for Europe to achieve cost-competitive production.