Challenges of Decarbonizing Aviation via Hydrogen Propulsion: Technology Performance Targets and Energy System Trade-Offs

The aviation sector is challenging to decarbonize since aircraft require high power and energy per unit of weight. Liquid hydrogen is an interesting solution due to its high gravimetric energy density, minimal end-use emissions impact, and low-carbon production potential. We quantify the performance targets for fuel cell (FC) systems and onboard storage to enable hydrogen-powered regional aviation. We then explore the energy infrastructure impacts of meeting this additional hydrogen demand in the European context under deep decarbonization scenarios. We find that minimal payload reduction would be needed for powering regional aircraft up to 1000 nautical miles (nmi) if a fuel cell system-specific power of 2 kW/kg and tank gravimetric index of 50% can be achieved. The energy system analysis highlights the importance of utilizing various technology options in different regions that may decrease costs or moderate network infrastructure requirements for airports: such as nuclear power expansion, hydrogen storage, and natural gas reforming with carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) for hydrogen production. Levelized cost of liquid hydrogen as low as €3.5/kg demonstrates pathways for Europe to achieve cost-competitive production.