Key recommendations from the Clean Aviation and Clean Hydrogen joint workshop on H2-powered aviation

Participants discussed the status of the hydrogen-powered aviation roadmap as well as future research and innovation needs and made a series of recommendations.

The workshop comprised a plenary session, where the status of the hydrogen-powered aviation roadmap was presented, along with six technical sessions on topics including H2 aircraft architectures, on-board liquid hydrogen storage, H2-burn gas-turbines powertrain system, H2 Fuel-Cell integrated powertrain system, refuelling processes, airport infrastructures and ground operations, as well as safety and certifications.

Considering the Strategic Research and Innovation Agendas of the Clean Aviation and Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertakings, along with the hydrogen-powered aviation roadmap, participants identified potential gaps and barriers within the roadmap. This resulted in a set of key recommendations, including to accelerate the H2 technology maturation, integration and demonstration, increase alignment between the two partnerships and Horizon Europe Cluster 5 Work Programme, and gain more understanding on the climate impact of H2-powered aviation emissions (non-CO2 emissions).

Read more on the workshop’s key messages and recommendations. 

Background

Hydrogen-powered aircraft is seen as a promising option to help Europe reach its European Green Deal objective of climate neutrality by 2050. Through a synergetic development of the respective research activities and allocation of funds, the Clean Aviation and Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertakings are playing a key role in supporting the development of hydrogen-powered aircraft demonstrators by 2030, targeting an entry into service by 2035.

On 23 March 2023, the two Joint Undertakings signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a strategic cooperation on research and innovation in hydrogen-powered aviation. The Memorandum’s objective is to maximise synergies, strengthen cooperation and align the activities of the two Joint Undertakings. This collaboration is based on the exchange of information concerning grants in the field of hydrogen-technologies for aviation, as well as planning and alignment of the respective Work Programmes and calls for proposals.