Green Hydrogen finds immense potential in decarbonizing aviation; aiming to advance research for transition.
Here’s an article posted in Arup that talks about Newzealand’s leap towards 100% renewable energy.
According to the article,
- New Zealand aims to transition to 100% renewable energy and become a global hub for advanced aviation and the aerospace industry.
- Green hydrogen is a key element in decarbonizing the transport sector.
- Pilot green hydrogen hubs at New Zealand airports provide a testbed to accelerate this transition.
So, what are the specific use cases for green hydrogen in aviation?
- Short-Haul Aircraft:
- Fuel Cells: Green hydrogen can power short-haul aircraft through fuel cells. These cells convert hydrogen into electricity, providing a zero-emission propulsion system.
- Direct Combustion: Hydrogen can also be directly burned in thermal (gas turbine) engines for short-range flights.
- Longer-Haul Aircraft:
- For larger airframes (such as those with 50 or more seats), liquid hydrogen is a viable option due to its higher energy density.
- Synthetic Liquid Fuels: Hydrogen can serve as a building block for synthetic liquid fuels, which can be blended with conventional jet fuel for longer-haul flights3.
- Ground Support Equipment:
- Beyond aircraft propulsion, green hydrogen can be used for ground support equipment at airports. This includes vehicles, tugs, and other machinery.
Interestingly, we have some other posts related to this content:
Our specialty focus areas include 
Green Hydrogen Hubs in New Zealand – Transitioning Aviation to a Sustainable Future: Collaboration across New Zealand focuses on decarbonizing transport with falling green hydrogen costs, including a pilot hub at an airport.
