- Airbus, Avinor, SAS, Swedavia, Vattenfall
all sign MoU on hydrogen projects research - This means Scandinavia could be an early
mover in hydrogen for aviation - Hydrogen still not the only aviation
option, with limited usage
LONDON (ICIS)–Five companies have signed a
memorandum of understanding (MoU) to
investigate the feasibility of hydrogen
infrastructure at airports in both Norway and
Sweden, it was announced 31 January.
The five companies involved are Airbus, Avinor,
SAS, Swedavia, and Vattenfall.
The aim of the MoU is to “provide a better
understanding of hydrogen aircraft concepts and
operations, supply, infrastructures, and
refuelling needs at airports,” a press release
from Airbus said.
There are more than 50 airports in Norway and
Sweden combined, with some planned to be
transformed first before such projects are
rolled out to the remaining airports. This will
allow for planners to use feedback on
regulatory frameworks surrounding changes.
This comes shortly after ZeroAvia and
ScottishPower struck an agreement to develop
low-carbon hydrogen supply to airports in the
north of the UK, announced on 10 January.
FIRST MOVER
Scandinavian countries such as Sweden and
Norway could be first movers in the
hydrogen-for-aviation space, as the two
countries have large renewable generation
potential for renewable hydrogen production.
They also share their heavy reliance on
aviation for short-haul travel due to the
terrain and temperatures.
However, hydrogen is not seen by the industry
as the silver bullet to decarbonise the
aviation industry, after a net zero target was
set for 2050.
Hydrogen has its main potential as an aviation
fuel in medium-haul flights, as the fuel tank
would not have to intrude on payload (cargo and
passengers) capacity in any great form.
Batteries would be too heavy and take too long
to recharge.
Batteries are seen as the solution to
short-haul flights as these would not have to
be very large and can be quickly recharged via
renewable electricity sources.
However, for long-haul flights, sustainable
aviation fuels are seen as the best option. A
fuel tank large enough to contain the required
hydrogen would take up as much as 40% of
current payload capacity. Liquefaction of
the hydrogen would also increase costs and
bring engineering challenges in terms of
storage and refuelling.