# Decarbonization of aviation via hydrogen propulsion: technology performance targets and energy system impacts

**Authors:** Anna Cybulsky, Florian Allroggen, Yang Shao-Horn, Dharik S. Mallapragada  
**arXiv:** [2309.14629](https://arxiv.org/abs/2309.14629)  
**Date:** 2023-09-26  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/2309.14629v1/

## Key points

- The aviation industry faces a challenge in decarbonizing due to high energy requirements of aircraft
- Liquid hydrogen offers a promising solution with high energy density and minimal environmental impact
- Performance targets for fuel cell systems and storage must be established for hydrogen-powered regional aviation
- Study by Anna Cybulsky, Florian Allroggen, Yang Shao-Horn, and Dharik S. Mallapragada quantifies targets for deep decarbonization scenarios in Europe
- Achieving specific power and tank gravimetric index targets could minimize payload reduction requirements for regional flights up to 1000 nautical miles
- Importance of utilizing multiple technology options like nuclear expansion and natural gas reforming with CCS for hydrogen production
- Pathways for Europe to achieve cost-competitive liquid hydrogen production with potential levelized costs as low as 3.5 Euros/kg
- Study provides valuable insights on transitioning towards sustainable practices in the aviation sector while remaining competitive

## Summary

The aviation industry faces a major challenge in decarbonizing due to the high energy requirements of aircraft. However, liquid hydrogen offers a promising solution with its high energy density and minimal environmental impact. To make hydrogen-powered regional aviation possible, performance targets for fuel cell systems and storage must be established. In their study "Decarbonization of aviation via hydrogen propulsion," authors Anna Cybulsky, Florian Allroggen, Yang Shao-Horn, and Dharik S. Mallapragada quantify these targets and analyze the energy infrastructure implications for Europe in deep decarbonization scenarios. The findings suggest that achieving specific power and tank gravimetric index targets could minimize payload reduction requirements for regional flights up to 1000 nautical miles. The study also emphasizes the importance of utilizing multiple technology options such as nuclear expansion and natural gas reforming with CCS for hydrogen production. Additionally, it highlights pathways for Europe to achieve cost-competitive liquid hydrogen production with potential levelized costs as low as 3.5 Euros/kg. By exploring these advancements and optimizations, the study provides valuable insights into how the aviation sector can transition towards more sustainable practices while remaining competitive in a changing global landscape.