Climate-Tech to Watch: Hydrogen-Powered Aviation

Hydrogen can be used in a fuel cell as a power source in aircraft by combustion in a modified jet engine. It can also be used to create synthetic fuels, which are discussed separately in this series. The high energy density of hydrogen—roughly 2.5 times higher than that of jet fuel—and potential for zero CO2 emissions make it an attractive alternative to conventional jet fuel.

Policymakers and the aviation industry see hydrogen as a promising low-carbon fuel for aviation. But to make hydrogen-powered flight a reality, they first need to bring down the cost of green hydrogen and overcome aircraft design challenges.