EU Council adopts new law paving the way for a greener and more sustainable european air transport sector.
PORSGRUNN, OCTOBER 11, 2023. The use of renewable hydrogen is one of the eligible sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to decarbonize the aviation sector. The RefuelEU aviation initiative and the new law adopted by the Council to decarbonize the aviation sector are significant developments aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the aviation industry and promoting sustainability in air transport within the EU.
Here are various aspects related to hydrogen within this context:
Hydrogen as a feedstock: The regulation allows for the inclusion of renewable hydrogen as a component of sustainable aviation fuels. Aviation fuel suppliers will be required to ensure that all fuel provided to aircraft operators at EU airports contains a minimum share of SAF starting in 2025. This share will progressively increase, reaching 2% in 2025, 6% in 2030, and a significant 70% by 2050. This highlights the role of hydrogen in providing a low-carbon alternative for aviation.
Hydrogen in decarbonization: The new legislation emphasizes the importance of SAF as a key tool for decarbonizing aviation. Hydrogen can play a crucial role in achieving these targets by being a source of clean energy for producing SAF.
Hydrogen production infrastructure: To meet the SAF requirements, the aviation sector will need a significant increase in the production of renewable hydrogen, which will require the development of infrastructure for its production, storage, and distribution.
Hydrogen technologies: Investment in research and development of hydrogen-based technologies for aviation will be crucial to increase the efficiency and viability of hydrogen-powered aircraft and hydrogen-based SAF production.
Hydrogen’s environmental credentials: The Union labelling scheme for aircraft operators using SAF will need to consider how hydrogen derived SAF is labeled and promoted based on its environmental performance.
Hydrogen cost competitiveness: As the legislation aims to address the high prices of SAF compared to fossil fuels, it will be essential to monitor the cost competitiveness of hydrogen based SAF and ensure their affordability.
Carbon emission reduction: Hydrogen-derived SAF are expected to contribute significantly to reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector, aligning with the EU’s climate targets for 2030 and 2050.
Hydrogen and synthetic fuels: The regulation encourages the use of synthetic fuels, which can include hydrogen. Consideration should be given to how hydrogen-based synthetic fuels are integrated into the aviation sector.
Tracking hydrogen usage: Data collection and reporting obligations for fuel suppliers and aircraft operators should include information on the usage and incorporation of hydrogen based SAF.
Hydrogen as an investment opportunity: The legislation may stimulate investment in hydrogen production for aviation, potentially creating new opportunities and jobs in the hydrogen sector.
Hydrogen’s role beyond aviation: The adoption of hydrogen in aviation may have ripple effects on other sectors that also rely on hydrogen as a clean energy source, such as transportation and industry.
International cooperation: The adoption of these regulations may influence international efforts to decarbonize aviation, potentially leading to global collaborations and standards for hydrogen in aviation.
These aspects reflect the multifaceted role of hydrogen within the RefuelEU aviation initiative and the broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation sector within the European Union.
For HydrogenPro as a manufacturer of high-pressure alkaline electrolysers, this is an important step in the right direction, which we are already striving for at the American level with our partnership with DG Fuels.
