The H2Avia project – conducted by Bauhaus Luftfahrt together with RWTH Aachen University, TU Braunschweig, Hamburg University of Technology, and the University of Stuttgart – delivers an integrated assessment of liquid hydrogen (LH₂) as an aviation energy carrier.
The analysis covers three levels: LH₂ production and logistics, aircraft technology integration across regional, short-to-medium range, and long-range aircraft classes, and global fleet-level climate modeling.
Key results: Green LH₂ production reduces lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by more than 85% compared to conventional jet fuel. LH₂ aircraft require 8 – 18% more block energy than a 2040 kerosene baseline. On a representative Europe – North America route, the analysis indicates a reduction in effective global warming potential of 55 – 86%. At fleet level, the modeling indicates a 60% reduction in climate impact by 2050.
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