Use of hydrogen as aviation fuel in Germany “not to be expected” in short-term – transport ministry

The widespread application of hydrogen as an aviation fuel in German air traffic is “not to be expected” in the short term, according to a report commissioned by Germany’s transport ministry. However, there are opportunities to expand the use of hydrogen in airport apron operations, including vehicles and ground support equipment, the report said.

“Hydrogen will play an important role in aviation – but with a realistic view of areas of application and timeframes,” said Germany’s transport minister Patrick Schnieder. Technology needed for using hydrogen as an aircraft fuel is still in the development stage, while sustainable aviation fuels that are almost identical to traditional kerosene but are produced from biological feedstocks, renewable hydrogen, or waste materials are expected to dominate aviation decarbonisation at least in the initial stages. A large-scale expansion of liquid hydrogen infrastructure therefore would currently not be sensible “beyond conceptual preparations,” the report said. 

Even the promising potential of hydrogen for apron operations is limited by economic and regulatory issues, including the absence of norms and standards, complex approval and liability issues, and uncertainties regarding demand and business models. The report therefore stressed the need for reliable framework conditions and more targeted support to stimulate investments.

Hydrogen made with renewable electricity has been hailed as a silver bullet for sectors with particularly stubborn emissions, such as heavy industry and aviation. Germany has set out to become a global leader in hydrogen production and associated technologies, and the government has penned a National Hydrogen Strategy to fulfil these ambitions.

However, Germany is failing on its targets to expand the hydrogen economy, with both supply and demand remaining well below expectations. Despite billions in subsidies, the government so far has not achieved the goals set out in its strategy – and is unlikely to do so in the near future, the Federal Court of Auditors said in a special report assessing progress and challenges in establishing a hydrogen economy in the country.