Accelerating the transition to hydrogen in aviation: key challenges and solutions.
Aviation sustainability faces some significant challenges, especially regarding technology, availability, investment, and mindset. To successfully transition to hydrogen and create a more sustainable future, we must explore creative solutions to overcome these obstacles.
The global aviation industry is under increasing pressure to meet ambitious climate goals and failing to act now could have irreversible consequences for both the environment and industry. One such solution is in the use of hydrogen, and in particular liquid hydrogen as the main fuel source.
Over the past 5 to 6 years, Unified has actively supported this transition through initiatives such as the DutcH2 Aviation Hub and establishing Conscious Aerospace. We spoke with Stephen Hands, Senior Associate at Unified International, to gain insight into Unified’s role in addressing these complex issues.
What are the current challenges in aviation sustainability, and what are the major barriers to transitioning to hydrogen?
There are actually four key areas to consider: technology, availability, investment, and that all-important can-do mentality.
Technology: First off, the transition in aviation is a significant challenge, as safety remains paramount for aircraft solutions. While the timeline to mature these technologies for aviation can be lengthy, hydrogen is not new and is already widely used in various other industries. The issue is how we can learn from these cross-sector technologies and processes to meet the stringent safety demands of aviation.
Availability: Then there’s the availability versus demand of liquid hydrogen. It’s a classic ‘chicken and egg’ scenario. To build the necessary infrastructure we need demand, but initially, that demand is likely to be low. However, looking ahead, we know that long-term demand will be substantial.
Investment: This ‘chicken and egg’ situation complicates the business cases for both mature and innovative startups companies. It creates a real challenge in securing the investments needed for technology and infrastructure. The aviation industry simply can’t handle this transition on its own.
Can-do mentality: Finally, we need to adopt the right mindset. A lack of a ‘can-do’ attitude among key stakeholders can significantly slow down the adoption of these new solutions.
Additionally, public and industry perception of hydrogen as a viable option poses a major hurdle, making it essential to increase awareness and trust in hydrogen technology to drive broader adoption across the sector. Hydrogen adoption isn’t just a local or national issue. Global collaboration will be key, as international standards, infrastructure development, and technology-sharing will ensure the scalability and success of hydrogen in aviation
It is essential to engage and align all stakeholders across the value chain, including governmental bodies associated with regulations locally, nationally and internationally to enable this transition.
So, tackling these challenges will require collaboration and a shift in thinking across the board.
Why is it important to invest in hydrogen technology for aviation given current global developments?
People will always want to travel and explore new cultures/environments and do business globally. The counterbalance is that, with the drive to provide our planet to be sustainable, we must bring to reality a zero or almost zero emissions solution in aviation.
In Europe, there’s increasing pressure to use electric cars or trains instead of planes for trips under 700 km. However, this isn’t effective for everyone, and aviation must find solutions to cover this distance, as a significant percentage of flights in Europe fall within that range.
The solution for aviation will be very much driven by size and range, meaning there will be demand for electric, SAF and Hydrogen. Among these, hydrogen presents the most effective solution to achieve this, whether it is to provide an element of the SAF production process or to be used fully as a liquid to power aircraft.
How does the DutcH2 Aviation Hub help overcome these sustainability challenges, and what unique expertise does it bring?
The points I have addressed so far is exactly why we, together with Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTHA) and the RHIA foundation believe in developing the DutcH2 Aviation Hub. RTHA, as a designated focus area for hydrogen innovation, provides an ideal environment for taking the first steps in hydrogen-powered aviation, thanks to its size for testing, suitable regional flight routes, and location in Europe’s Hydrogen Hub.
An airport is where all aspects of the value chain come together, by driving the DutcH2 Aviation Hub initiative we bring together all stakeholders across the value chain from fuel suppliers, ground handling providers, aircraft and systems, airport operations, governmental entities, research and educational institutes to share knowledge, find collaboration projects all focused on how we can realise hydrogen in aviation as soon as possible. This is further complemented by establishing international networks with other airport clusters with a similar ambition for hydrogen in aviation.
What opportunities do you see for collaboration and innovation in the hydrogen value chain in aviation for Unified?
Unified International over the last 5 or 6 years has shown we are very much driven to play a role in helping the realization of sustainable aviation as well as help improve the Dutch aviation ecosystem capability and business growth.
Unified can help in building communities like the DutcH2 Aviation hub, but also companies whether they are small or large who want to bring new products or solutions (aircraft or airport ground handling related) to the market including those from other sectors to which aviation is new.
Unified also plays an active role in advocating for regulatory frameworks that support hydrogen adoption, working closely with government bodies to ensure that policies align with the industry’s sustainability goals.
Can you give examples of specific initiatives within the DutcH2 Aviation Hub that Unified is involved in?
We are proud to be involved since day one with the DutcH2 Aviation Hub and participate in the core project team. Our role focuses on helping structure the programme as well as focus on the national and international network development.
What is your vision for the future of hydrogen technology and sustainable aviation?
My vision is that sustainable aviation will become a reality. With global air traffic demand on the rise, the demand for hydrogen will be immense. But we need to start with small steps. As the saying goes, ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’. It teaches that even the longest and most difficult ventures have a starting point; something which begins with one first step.
For liquid hydrogen, we believe that initial steps will be in regional and short-range aircraft routes of up to 750 km, eventually scaling to 2,500 km for up to 200 million people. SAF will be the focus for many decades for the larger, so called widebody, aircraft in which time technologies and infrastructure will advance to allow for zero or near-zero emission aircraft.
We all need to contribute our knowledge and skills to make this happen.
Future Collaboration
Unified International promotes collaboration between the public and private sectors, emphasising sustainability while being realistic about what can be achieved and the timelines involved. We establish strategic partnerships that bring together diverse perspectives to advance sustainable initiatives. By leveraging our expertise, we aid the transition to sustainable aviation, helping stakeholders embrace new energy sources for greener air mobility.
Want to know more? Contact us: info@unifiedinternational.net
