Market uptake and impact of key green aviation technologies

The objective of the project was to identify the prerequisites for the market entry of climate-neutral aviation technologies, in particular hydrogen and electrically powered aircraft, as well as the technical, economic and regulatory supporting measures required for this to be successful.

How we helped

Our approach to the study included the following:

• a review of the relevant literature;
• development of a roll-out scenario for hydrogen and electrically powered aircraft based on plausible assumptions (with support from the German Aerospace Centre, DLR) as a basis for consideration of the challenges involved;
• stakeholder consultation across the aviation industry, hydrogen fuel experts, financiers and regulatory authorities;
• a review of technical challenges from clean fuel production and distribution, airport infrastructure, aircraft production and operational procedures; and
• consideration of the range of policy options and challenges with both an internal European focus and also a review of the challenges to the coordination and cooperation needed internationally.

Successes and outcomes

Our roll-out strategy indicated the potential for over 7,500 hydrogen-powered aircraft to be rolled out globally, undertaking 14 million flights by 2040.

However, there are very significant obstacles to be overcome in achieving such a rollout. In Europe, the barriers are technical and financial. They include the production and transport to airports of sufficient quantities of green hydrogen, the technical development of new aircraft technology and the investment in the new airport infrastructure required. It is likely that significant public sector financial support will be needed to facilitate this.

Looking beyond Europe plans for aviation decarbonisation are generally focused on the introduction of drop-in SAFs, although there is also some interest in the use of hydrogen.

Read the full report here.

Further reading: Decarbonising aviation: is hydrogen in it for the long haul? by Peter Wiener