A consortium of aviation and renewable energy companies, including easyJet, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce, has formed the Hydrogen in Aviation (HIA) alliance, advocating for the adoption of hydrogen as a means to decarbonize air travel.
Potential Leadership in Hydrogen-Powered Flights
The HIA alliance asserts that with a ten-year research program, infrastructure support, and a conducive regulatory framework, the UK has the potential to become a global leader in developing hydrogen-powered flights.
Economic Benefits and Environmental Impact
Hydrogen as an aviation fuel could deliver an annual economic benefit of £34 billion to the UK by 2050. Furthermore, hydrogen-powered flights produce water as the only waste product, offering a promising avenue for carbon emission reduction in commercial aviation.
Call to Action and Collaboration
Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, emphasizes the need for rapid change and collaboration to achieve radical solutions in aviation. He underlines the economic and societal benefits that can be preserved with the adoption of hydrogen aviation.
Industry United for Hydrogen-Powered Flight
Sabine Klauke, Airbus Chief Technology Officer, stresses the importance of a united industry voice to establish a robust ecosystem for renewable hydrogen. Airbus is actively developing technologies for hydrogen-powered flight.
Rolls-Royce’s Contribution to Decarbonization
Grazia Vittadini, Rolls-Royce Chief Technology Officer, highlights the significance of collaboration and experience in pioneering new technologies. Rolls-Royce has already tested a modern aero engine on green hydrogen and believes it’s a crucial solution for aviation decarbonization.
Additional Alliance Members
The HIA alliance also includes renewable energy company Orsted, components business GKN Aerospace, and Bristol Airport.
Government’s Net Zero Strategy
The UK Government’s Jet Zero strategy aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in aviation by 2050. While sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has been a focus, hydrogen is emerging as a promising alternative.
Supporting SAF Producers
The Department for Transport has introduced plans for a “revenue certainty mechanism” to provide more confidence for SAF producers regarding their earnings. SAF, produced from sustainable sources, can significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional jet fuel.