Industry group Hydrogen Europe and two transport associations have jointly called for the immediate inclusion of renewable hydrogen in the scope of the EU’s RefuelEU Aviation proposals.

RefuelEU Aviation, which forms part of the EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ climate package and is going through the bloc’s legislative process, focuses largely on mandating the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), rather than other fuels such as liquid hydrogen, to help decarbonise the aviation sector. The proposals are also designed to support the development of a supply chain for SAF.

“The prospective hydrogen industry is writing to you to share its concern regarding the discussions on the fuel types included in the scope of the so-called RefuelEU Aviation proposal,” Hydrogen Europe tells EU member state transport ministers and the European Commission in a joint letter with Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe and Transport and Environment.

“Hydrogen-powered aircraft might operate one-third of all passenger aviation traffic” Hydrogen Europe

Leaving discussions on hydrogen’s inclusion in the scope of RefuelEU Aviation to amendments of the text, rather than at the current stage of the legislative process, will waste precious time and delay the necessary ramp-up and research and investment in hydrogen technology, the letter says.

Swift action is needed to include hydrogen in order to keep pace with changes in the market, encourage early investment in research and development, and to be consistent with decarbonisation goals set out in the EU’s Green Deal, it adds.  

“Hydrogen-powered aircraft might operate one-third of all passenger aviation traffic,”

 the letter says. “Manufacturers and innovators are already developing hydrogen propulsion technologies and aircraft concepts, with the earliest applications planned for 2024 and new aircraft entering service in the following decade. Foundations for necessary supply and infrastructure at airports need to be laid today due to the long development cycles.”

In March, Airline Delta and aircraft manufacturer Airbus signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to research hydrogen-powered aircraft and the infrastructure required to supply them. Separately, Airbus signed an MoU with green hydrogen project developer Fortescue Future Industries to study the use of liquid hydrogen and power-to-liquid fuels for aviation.

Revenue share

The ramp-up of the hydrogen supply chain and the creation of hydrogen hubs at airports should be supported financially by creating penalties for non-compliance with RefuelEU rules or by revenues generated by the Emissions Trading System for aviation, the letter says.

To achieve climate neutrality, the European Green Deal sets out the need to reduce transport emissions by 90pc by 2050 compared to 1990 levels.

“The aviation sector must be at the forefront of this transition,” the letter says.

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Author: Stuart Penson