Europe’s Aviation Revolution: The Race to Zero-Emission with Hydrogen-powered Aircraft
Europe’s aviation sector is at a crossroads. Facing the dual challenge of reducing emissions adn maintaining its leadership in a strategic industry, the continent is betting big on hydrogen-powered aircraft to achieve its enterprising climate goals. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), aviation accounts for 3.8% of global CO₂ emissions, a figure that could triple in the next 25 years without immediate action. The European Green Deal has set a target of reducing transport emissions by 90% by 2050,and hydrogen is emerging as a key player in this transformation.
The Hydrogen Challenge: Storing the Lightest Element
Hydrogen, the lightest chemical element, presents unique challenges for aviation. To be used as fuel, it must be stored in liquid form at cryogenic temperatures of -253°C, requiring innovative, lightweight, and high-efficiency storage solutions. This is the focus of the Overleaf project, a European-funded initiative coordinated by Emma Celeste lope Retuerto of Aciturri.
“our main goal is to increase the volume of hydrogen stored while keeping weight and costs under control,” says Lope Retuerto. “After testing liquid hydrogen storage and demonstrating its viability, the next step is to turn this into practical solutions, making these technologies market-ready within a few years.”
Hydrogen’s lower volumetric energy density means aircraft need larger fuel storage capacity compared to conventional systems. “We need to increase the volume of hydrogen in storage devices,” explains Lope Retuerto.
Innovations in Storage and Safety
Collaborating with Roger Groves of TU Delft University, the Overleaf team is tackling the complexities of hydrogen storage. “We are working on a new design for storing hydrogen, which cannot be stored in the location of current aircraft,” says Groves. “Additionally, we need a new type of distribution system to prevent leaks and efficiency losses. This is why we are building a new kind of sensor to detect leaks and ensure passenger security.”
The project has reached its final stage, with meaningful advancements in tank design and leak prevention. Jordi Renart, Associate Professor at Universitat de Girona, explains: “A new concept of tank has been developed, using new materials and manufacturing processes like additive manufacturing and automated fiber placement.”
Renart’s team has contributed to the tank’s design through mechanical numerical analysis using finite elements. “We have worked on the geometry, orientations, and layup sequence of the materials for the inner and outer tanks, and also the joints between them and the external supports,” he says. To address leakage risks, the team is using micro-computerized X-ray tomography to detect cracks in the tank walls.
Beyond Aviation: Broader Applications
The innovations from the Overleaf project could have far-reaching impacts beyond aviation. “The technology we are developing could also revolutionize rail transportation, with new materials capable of operating at -253°C,” says Lope Retuerto. “Our new-generation sensors, designed for critical conditions, could benefit other industries, and advancements in the Automatic Fiber Placement process could open new applications in telecommunications, where carbon fiber is essential.”
Policy and Industry Support: A Call to Action
To accelerate the hydrogen aviation era, Krisztina Hencz, Aviation Policy Manager at Transport & Environment, emphasizes the need for strong EU leadership. “The EU should create a thorough scheme of incentives, clear rules, and appropriate financial mechanisms,” she says. “Synthetic fuel mandates must be met, with penalties for non-compliance, and the Clean industrial Deal can be a unique prospect to create a real industrial strategy favoring e-kerosene and hydrogen.”
Hencz also highlights the untapped potential of e-kerosene in decarbonizing aviation and driving the cleantech transition. “The green fuels market currently relies mostly on start-ups, which would benefit greatly from big oil companies’ support through offtake agreements or direct investments,” she adds.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
While the path to zero-emission aviation is clear, significant challenges remain. “Aviation is a critical industry from a security standpoint. Any new technology requires extensive certification, and implementing solutions in civil aircraft takes time,” says Groves. “We also need to rethink fuel depots at airports, which entails massive investments.”
Hencz concludes: “The EU is taking steps in the right direction, but it needs to provide stronger support for hydrogen-based synthetic fuels to ensure projects reach final investment decisions. Failing to do so would make the problem bigger and reduce the chances of aviation ever meeting its climate goals.”
| Key Challenges | Innovations | Policy Recommendations |
|———————————-|———————————————|——————————————–|
| Hydrogen storage at -253°C | new tank designs and materials | Incentives for synthetic fuel mandates |
| Lower volumetric energy density | Advanced leak detection sensors | financial mechanisms for green fuels |
| Certification and safety | Automated fiber placement processes | Support for start-ups and industrial strategy |
Europe’s aviation sector stands at the forefront of a green revolution. With hydrogen-powered aircraft on the horizon, the continent has the opportunity to lead the world in enduring aviation. The clock is ticking, but the solutions are within reach. will Europe rise to the challenge?
For more insights on the European Green Deal and its impact on aviation, visit the European commission’s official page.