To analyze aviation’s role in green energy plans of the UK, ministers have been asked to launch an industry review. There’s a demand for a cross-Whitehall view on national hydrogen strategy by a new group formed by airports, airlines, and manufacturers.
The consortium issued a warning stating that the rivals Germany and France are leading the way. The former is supporting 62 large-scale hydrogen projects with an €8 billion investment. However, France is promoting the development of low-carbon and renewable hydrogen with a €7.2 billion investment.
A Project Napkin study talks about the Climate change conference by Cop27 in Egypt and the carbon-free future potential for UK domestic aviation. As per the study, the conference will coincide with the latter by 2040. It suggests that within the next 20 years, carbon emissions-free aircraft will be available to passengers to fly between all the UK’s regions.
The consortium comprises EasyJet, British Airways, and Loganair alongside London City airport, Heathrow, and Highlands and Islands Airports. It believes that we could see small, modified aircraft taking hydrogen-fuelled flights by 2026, especially within island communities and the mainland of the UK.
And the next decade’s end could see such aircraft deployed across UK’s domestic route network and into Europe. Such aircraft will likely fly up to 1,400 nautical miles with a capacity of 40 to 90 passengers.
Between 2035 and 2040, London City can potentially operate a complete zero-emission domestic network.
And, in the same time frame, Heathrow could manage 90-seat zero-emission aircraft from other UK airports. The latest, sustainable aviation fuels will be used to feed long-haul travel.
A recent Southampton University analysis talks about airports with high hydrogen aircraft penetration. It states that such airports could achieve overall noise reduction in addition to carbon benefits, delivering advantages to the local communities.
But on-site infrastructure will be necessary for larger airports to address huge portions of liquid hydrogen. An annual rise of 68% is expected for green hydrogen’s demand.
With 1,000-tonne hydrogen predicted to be demanded annually, London city would need storage amenities for accommodation. River Thames will be potentially used for delivery by 2035.
On-site hydrogen distribution networks will be required at Heathrow to meet the potential 90,000-tonne annual demand. In addition, a liquefaction facility by 2040 would be required to avoid road routes for delivery.
Currently, the UK aviation sector would need approximately 30,000 tonnes of green hydrogen to meet the future demand by 2040. However, this demand would further increase with more airlines switching to zero-emission aircraft.
And, the consortium suggests a pan-industry, cross-Whitehall review of how the national hydrogen strategy includes aviation to achieve this.
Matt Prescott, head of the carbon strategy, Heathrow gave a statement, saying “Project Napkin marks an important step on the way to ‘jet zero’. It shows that with the right support and market conditions hydrogen-fuelled aircraft will unlock net zero for regional aviation, complementing sustainable aviation fuels for longer flights.”
And Jenny Kavanagh, Chief Strategy Officer, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, said, “The goal of this project was to ascertain whether a carbon-free aviation system could be economically viable in the UK. The answer to that question is yes – it is possible and within our power to achieve.”