Thursday, February 22, 2024
The Singapore Hydrogen Cooperation Committee, formed after the Cooperation Agreement signing by Airbus, Changi Airport Group, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), and Linde in February 2022, anticipates a significant role for hydrogen fuel in the state’s aviation decarbonization efforts. Since its inception, the committee has meticulously analyzed regional and local hydrogen market dynamics, supply chain logistics, infrastructure prerequisites, and potential ecosystem considerations to facilitate aviation decarbonization in the city-state. While the technology for utilizing liquid hydrogen to power aircraft is presently in developmental stages, slated for implementation in future iterations of large commercial aircraft, the committee’s early technical feasibility study is pivotal. This groundwork ensures Singapore’s readiness to seamlessly integrate liquid hydrogen into its aviation decarbonization strategy when the technology matures and becomes feasible.
“Stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region are increasingly taking greater interest in making significant investments into hydrogen, developing new technologies and establishing supply chains. Together with our partners, we recognise the potential of hydrogen becoming a longer-term decarbonisation pathway for aircraft operations, complementing sustainable aviation fuel, in support of our transition towards net zero by 2050,” said Sabine Klauke, Chief Technology Officer, Airbus.
As part of the investigation, the committee has outlined potential infrastructure scenarios aimed at facilitating the gradual introduction of a substantial supply of liquid hydrogen for aviation at Changi Airport in the foreseeable future. By the 2040s, Singapore’s aviation industry could potentially consume up to 50 tonnes of liquid hydrogen daily, with projections suggesting a rise to 600 tonnes per day by the 2050s. These projections are predicated upon the introduction of hydrogen-powered aircraft, accommodating between 100 to 200 passengers, with operational ranges spanning from 1000 to 2000 nautical miles, expected to commence service between 2035 and 2040 in Singapore.
While an operational range of 2000 NM from Changi Airport would enable aircraft to access approximately 74 airports across 20 Asia-Pacific nations and territories, the committee underscored the significance of additional factors. These include the readiness levels for hydrogen infrastructure at potential destination airports, as well as commercial considerations for airlines, which are crucial for realizing the eventual deployment of hydrogen-powered flights between Changi Airport and other regional destinations.
Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General of CAAS, said, “The International Civil Aviation Organization Member States have adopted a collective long-term global aspirational goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. While the near-term focus is on the wider adoption of sustainable aviation fuels in aircraft operations, hydrogen can potentially play a complementary role as a sustainable energy fuel in the longer term. CAAS has shared some of the key findings from the study with relevant government agencies for longer-term national planning for demand of hydrogen and will continue to monitor signposts around the development of hydrogen technology for aircraft operations.”
Ms Poh Li San, Senior Vice President, Terminal 5 Specialised Systems, Changi Airport Group said, “Hydrogen technology is still in its nascency, with many uncertainties and the industry is working hard to study aspects such as operations, safety, regulation and economics. These need to be examined further. As the aviation industry progresses on its sustainability journey, it is prudent to take a phased approach as air hubs study how best to support the use of hydrogen by aircraft.”
Hydrogen has a key role to play in the global clean energy transition. In aviation, hydrogen shows promise on two fronts: reducing aircraft emissions in the air, and decarbonising airside ground activities,” said John Panikar, EVP and CEO APAC, Linde. “Linde has over 100 years of experience with hydrogen. Our business spans the entire global hydrogen value chain and we look forward to leveraging our capabilities to further develop the promise of hydrogen in aviation.”
To facilitate the transition to hydrogen-powered aviation once technology, regulations, infrastructure, and supply chains are prepared, the committee has agreed on the importance of ongoing monitoring, focusing on the following key areas:
1. Technology: Continuously monitor the maturity of hydrogen aircraft technology, including milestones such as the expected launch of Airbus’ ZEROe aircraft demonstrator in 2027.
2. Concept of Operations (CONOPs): Monitor the development of operational concepts related to logistics, storage, on-site distribution, and refueling of liquid hydrogen within airport environments.
3. Regulations: Stay updated on the development of safety regulatory frameworks and standards concerning the use of liquid hydrogen for aircraft operations.
4. Hydrogen Supply Chain and Airport Infrastructure: Track the progress of robust and commercially viable liquid hydrogen supply chains compatible with airport infrastructure, covering aspects like import, storage, distribution networks, and aircraft refueling facilities.
5. Readiness of other airports for liquid hydrogen aircraft operations.
6. Comparative cost of liquid hydrogen as an alternative aircraft fuel.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
