What Is Hydrogen Aircraft, How Hydrogen Is Used As Fuel And What Are Future Opportunities

The aviation industry has been responsible for a significant portion of global CO2 emissions. Thus, the adoption of hydrogen as a fuel has become the most cutting-edge solution available. Hydrogen fuel cells have gained popularity as emission-free fuel as the only by-product these cells offer is water. Thus, it is not a surprise for the aviation industry to take a hard look at hydrogen fuel cells.

A hydrogen aircraft is an airplane that uses hydrogen as a power source. The hydrogen energy can either be burned in a jet engine or in other internal combustion engines to generate electricity and power the aircraft. Over the last few years, the R&D has increased to tackle the challenges associated with hydrogen storage and public perception of safety when it comes to the use of hydrogen as fuel.

There are two main options for hydrogen aircraft to exist. Either opt for hydrogen fuel cells or use hydrogen combustion aircraft where the thrust is generated through the combustion of hydrogen in the jet engine. The hydrogen combustion aircraft demands less engine and aircraft redesigning than the existing engines, which makes it a less disruptive option for the aerospace industry. However, hydrogen fuel cells offer a true zero solution, which refers to water as an only by-product.

Some studies indicate that hydrogen fuel cell aircraft can be more efficient than hydrogen combustion designs by 20-40%. In addition, hydrogen fuel cells aircraft can share several attributes with electrically-propelled aircrafts such as electric motors. However, large route aircraft will benefit from hydrogen combustion-based aircraft than hydrogen fuel cells. The main reason behind this is fuel cells do not have the energy density and power that is required for long routes. But for short-haul aircraft the power requirements are not high, the hydrogen fuel cells are more suitable.  

However, there are a few challenges yet to be overcome. The storage of hydrogen is still a major issue. Hydrogen exists as a gas at standard pressure and temperature. Thus, storing it in a reasonable amount of space involves the use of pressurized tanks. However, as hydrogen is flammable, small leaks can turn fatal and disastrous. Moreover, the use of hydrogen storage tanks makes the aircraft longer and heavier. Moreover, hydrogen embrittlement is another challenge and the hydrogen tank or fuel system is highly susceptible to this. However, the rapid research in the area is expected to open new opportunities in the coming years.

According to Allied Market Research, the hydrogen aircraft market is expected to reach $144.53 billion by 2040, growing at a CAGR of 20.5% from 2030 to 2040. Rise in air passenger traffic across the globe reduced greenhouse gas emission, and the high suitability of hydrogen as aviation fuel drive the market.

Hydrogen aircraft offer a chance at emission-free travel across the globe, which cannot be taken lightly with the strict rules regarding emission control and the impact of greenhouse emissions on the environment. Thus, the demand for hydrogen aircraft will only increase in the future, fuelling the R&D to overcome various challenges and bring hydrogen aircraft into a reality

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