In a concerted push towards adopting hydrogen as an alternative fuel source for aviation, the Hydrogen in Aviation alliance, comprising industry giants such as Airbus SE, EasyJet Plc, and Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc, has officially called upon the UK government for increased financial support.
The alliance’s request, detailed in a report unveiled on Monday, emphasizes the need for escalated public investment to expand hydrogen technology capabilities and establish the requisite infrastructure to ensure the aviation sector is hydrogen-ready by 2050.
Furthermore, the group has made an appeal to airports to formulate and implement hydrogen-focused strategies.
The shift towards hydrogen fuel comes as the aviation industry confronts the urgent need to diminish its carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels. However, despite the potential that hydrogen offers as a cleaner alternative to conventional jet fuel, its practical application in commercial aviation is still several years away.
The industry highlights the essential requirement for robust infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to support the viability of hydrogen-powered aircraft.
The Shift Towards Hydrogen Fuel in Aviation
Echoing the importance of comprehensive support for hydrogen aviation, Johan Lundgren, EasyJet Chief Executive Officer and the inaugural chair of the alliance, stated, “these advances will be inconsequential if we fail to complement them with the appropriate skills, infrastructure, investment and regulation needed to support hydrogen aviation.”
In its development endeavors, Airbus is currently working on a hydrogen-powered turboprop capable of seating approximately 100 passengers, potentially integrating electric motors that operate on hydrogen fuel cells.
Airbus Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Faury outlined a timeline last month, indicating that the engine technology is expected to be finalized by 2025 or 2026, with plans to officially launch the program in 2027 or 2028.
Established in the summer, the alliance has also set forth medium-term recommendations for the 2027 to 2030 period.
These include the establishment of specific regulations and standards, the creation of a hydrogen transition fund to aid airports and airlines, and the introduction of government incentives for the operation of hydrogen-powered aircraft.