Exploring hydrogen fuel as a sustainable solution for zero-emission aviation: Production, storage, and engine adaptation challenges

Abstract

The aviation industry is one of the most significant contributors to global carbon emissions, necessitating the exploration of sustainable fuel alternatives. Hydrogen fuel is emerging as a promising zero-emission energy source, aligning with global sustainability goals and supporting the transition to carbon-neutral aviation. This paper examines the feasibility of hydrogen as a primary fuel source in aviation, focusing on sustainable hydrogen production, storage solutions, and necessary modifications to aircraft engine systems. Various hydrogen production techniques, including electrolysis powered by renewable energy, biomass gasification, and photolysis, are evaluated for their environmental impact, scalability, and efficiency. The potential of each method to provide a viable pathway toward sustainable hydrogen production is discussed, emphasizing the advantages and limitations of green hydrogen technologies. Additionally, hydrogen storage and infrastructure development challenges are considered as safe, high-density storage remains a critical hurdle in aviation applications. The need for significant modifications to current jet engines and propulsion systems to accommodate hydrogen as a fuel is also analyzed. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of recent advancements in hydrogen production and usage in aviation, highlighting the technical, economic, and regulatory challenges that must be overcome to achieve widespread hydrogen adoption. Prospects for hydrogen-powered aviation are discussed, emphasizing ongoing research and innovation to create a sustainable, zero-emission future for air travel.