The idea of hydrogen-fuelled aircraft has been around since the early days of the Cold War. Over 70 years later, the idea is finally taking flight.
A new generation of engineers is determined to make hydrogen-powered aviation a reality, driven by the promise of zero carbon emissions. Aviation is responsible for about 2.4% of global carbon emissions, but the only emission produced by burning hydrogen as a fuel is water vapour.
In September this year, EasyJet threw its hat into the ring, announcing a shift in focus from electric aviation to hydrogen fuel. In fact, in partnership with Rolls-Royce, the budget airline is already preparing for its first hydrogen engine ground tests.
By 2035, it hopes to have an EasyJet aircraft carrying around 200 passengers taking to the skies.
This is in line with a report, released earlier this year, that said hydrogen could feasibly be used to power a commercial flight of up to 3,000km by 2035. It estimated that flights of up to 7,000km would be possible by 2040. And in an ideal world, 40% of all European aviation will be powered by hydrogen by 2050.
Of course, that depends on overcoming a number of challenges in the meantime. For instance, how to store liquid hydrogen on-board, how to transport hydrogen to airports, and how to integrate the systems within a commercial craft setting.
The potential of hydrogen in mitigating climate change is enormous. And let’s not forget, we can’t beat climate change without decarbonising aviation.
