Hydrogen in Aviation

Decarbonising energy across many sectors is a global priority, none more so than in aviation. Hydrogen will play a key role in enabling UK aviation to achieve its net zero carbon commitment by 2050. This study assesses the growing role that hydrogen will play in the future of aviation across South Wales and South West England.

The research method involved a systematic literature review, data collection through surveys and experiments, statistical analysis, and interpretation of results.

(Generated with the help of GPT-4)

There is potential high demand for hydrogen in South Wales and Southwest England by 2050 due to its existing aviation industry.

Key phases in demand for hydrogen’s use in aviation across both regions:

2025-2030 First generation hydrogen-fuelled aircraft in which conventional turbo-prop aircraft are converted to hydrogen fuel cell power trains are introduced to revenue service. SAF mandates of c. 10% for conventional aircraft. Local production may be necessary for early adopter flights and for SAF. In South West England and South Wales, LanzaTech will provide most of the local production of SAF for aviation at scale. Direct hydrogen demand in the region is less than 1,000 tonnes per year.

2035-2045 Larger, second-generation aircraft, designed from the outset to be hydrogen fuelled, that use jet turbines (or hybrid configurations) are introduced to revenue service. SAF mandates of c. 30%, with additional requirements for advanced SAF types (e.g. PtL) for conventional aircraft. In South West England and South Wales, Bristol Airport and its resident airlines will drive demand. Depending on the speed of transition and success of new technologies, the airport will need a direct hydrogen supply pipeline to meet demand for aircraft fuelling and ground operations. Direct hydrogen demand in the region could be more than 60,000 tonnes per year, in the most ambitious scenario where easyJet prioritises its transition to hydrogen aircraft at Bristol Airport.

2050 and beyond Increasing penetration of hydrogenfuelled aircraft in airline fleets. SAF mandates of c. 65% or more, with at least half coming from advanced SAF types. Direct hydrogen demand in the region could approach 120,000 tonnes per year, in the most ambitious scenarios. Growing hydrogen infrastructure The UK Government is committed to developing the UK’s low carbon hydrogen capabilities, as a critical part of energy security and decarbonisation. However, aviation will need greater supplies of hydrogen than the Government have committed to. Liquefaction, storage and purification currently sit as a low priority on the Government agenda and the significant rise in electricity demand creates uncertainties. Gaining Government’s support and commitment to resolving these areas will in turn enable investor confidence, ensuring the region’s successful transition.

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Categories: 2020 time horizon | 2020s time horizon | 2023 publication year | 2050 time horizon | 2050s time horizon | English publication language | South Wales/Southwest England geographic scope | United Kingdom geographic scope | aviation | background | discussion | findings | hydrogen | impact | implications | limitations | methods | policy | recommendations | significance