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As the aviation industry intensifies efforts to reduce its carbon emissions, hydrogen has emerged as a promising solution. But how exactly would hydrogen-powered planes work?
According to the International Energy Agency, aviation contributed to 2% of global energy-related CO2 emissions in 2022. In response to the urgent need for greener alternatives, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This ambitious goal involves the collaboration of IATA’s 330 member airlines, which will utilize sustainable aviation fuel, carbon offsets and capture, and innovative technologies.
Hydrogen and electric technologies are expected to play a crucial role, accounting for 13% of the transition to sustainable aviation. This growing focus on hydrogen is reflected in market projections: the hydrogen aircraft market could reach a value of $7.4 billion by 2030, almost doubling from its 2020 valuation, according to Markets and Markets.
So, how would hydrogen fuel airplanes operate? Hydrogen-powered aircraft would primarily use either hydrogen fuel cells or hydrogen combustion engines. In fuel cells, hydrogen reacts with oxygen to produce electricity, which then powers electric motors. In combustion engines, hydrogen is burned similarly to conventional jet fuel but produces only water vapor as a byproduct.
The adoption of hydrogen technology in aviation promises significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, potentially revolutionizing the industry. As the world seeks sustainable solutions, hydrogen-powered planes could be a key component in the future of flight.
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