Could the future of air travel be powered by hydrogen instead of jet fuel? According to new research led by Adelaide University, the technology is within reach, but there’s still plenty of work to do before passengers board emissions-free commercial flights.
In a new study published in Transportation Research Part A, researchers at Adelaide University have outlined a roadmap to help the aviation industry transition to green hydrogen, a renewable fuel that could dramatically reduce the sector’s carbon footprint.
Aviation currently generates around 14 per cent of global transport emissions, making it one of the largest contributors behind road transport and one of the most difficult industries to decarbonise. Unlike conventional aviation fuel, green hydrogen produces no direct carbon dioxide emissions during operation when generated using renewable energy.
Led by PhD candidate Zahra Jaffary in collaboration with Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the research analysed 138 international studies published over the past decade to better understand how close the aviation industry is to making green hydrogen commercially viable.
Rather than focusing solely on the technology itself, the team examined the broader challenges that still need solving before hydrogen-powered aviation can take off.
“Our research identified the current research trends and the immediate priorities that are needed to fill the gaps in understanding,” shared Zahra.
“There is a need for airport-specific case studies to assess hydrogen infrastructure needs, comparing onsite, offsite and hybrid supply chain models.
“We also need to urgently understand the future demand for fuel at airports, including spatial constraints and what refuelling systems could look like.”
The team says future research should explore everything from on-site hydrogen production and refuelling systems to airport space requirements and long-term fuel demand, while governments will also need to establish clear policies and regulations to support industry investment.
Hydrogen also brings unique safety challenges.
Its low ignition energy and wide flammability range mean airports and aircraft would require new design standards, leak detection systems and operational procedures to safely manage the fuel.
Co-researcher Professor Shane Zhang said, “Without clear signals from airlines and governments, airports have little commercial incentive to invest in costly hydrogen infrastructure.
“Targeted policies, incentives and regulatory frameworks will be essential to provide certainty for investment and accelerate the adoption of clean hydrogen fuel.”
The researchers believe Australia is particularly well positioned to lead the emerging hydrogen aviation industry thanks to its abundant renewable energy resources and growing investment in green hydrogen production.
“Australia has an incredible opportunity to become a leader in a future hydrogen aviation economy given its abundant renewable energy resources and green hydrogen ambitions, and we need to start getting the ducks in a row,” shared Professor Zhang.
While hydrogen-powered passenger flights are still some way off, the research provides a clearer picture of what needs to happen next, highlighting that the future of cleaner aviation will depend not only on advances in fuel technology, but also on infrastructure, investment and long-term planning.
