Investigating Hydrogen as a Potential Alternative to Kerosene in Fueling Commercial Aircraft

Public project summary

In order to limit global warming to 1.5˚C as outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement, global carbon emissions must reach net zero by around 2050. Since the commercial aviation industry is responsible for around 2.5% of global carbon emissions, emission-free aviation is vital for a carbon-neutral economy of the future. This research project aims to analyze hydrogen as a potential alternative to kerosene in fueling commercial aircraft with respect to cost and emissions. Both hypothetical hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen combustion engine planes fueled using various hydrogen production methods were considered in comparison to a Boeing 737-400.