Hydrogen planes more economically attractive than conventional models by 2035, according to T&E study

However, according to the study, targeted political measures are required to promote and advance environmentally friendly technologies such as hydrogen airplanes. As part of an economic study commissioned by T&E, the future operating costs of hydrogen airplanes on intra-European flights were examined by the research group Steer.

T&E – Independent Think Tank for Transport Policy Issues

Transport and Environment is the umbrella organization of non-governmental European organizations advocating for sustainable transport. The 53 member organizations come from 24 countries. The headquarters of T&E Germany is in Berlin.

The results show that hydrogen planes can be an extremely efficient and cost-effective way to decarbonize air transport. Airbus, as a pioneer in this field, has already presented three concepts for hydrogen planes but still needs to prove that the planned start date in 2035 is achievable.

Market incentives necessary to make hydrogen more attractive

Nevertheless, T&E expressed concerns about the green investment label for zero-emission aircraft and doubts that Airbus can sell a sufficient number of these planes. To ensure that Airbus can fulfill its promise of developing a hydrogen aircraft by 2035, comprehensive measures must be taken to create a market for zero-emission aircraft. This includes taxing fossil-based jet fuels and establishing regulations for zero-emission aircraft in the future.

Production of green hydrogen still expensive

The study also highlights the costs and challenges in developing hydrogen aircraft. According to the study, by 2050 the total costs for deploying this technology in intra-European air traffic would amount to around 299 billion euros. Only 5 percent of these costs are attributed to the development of the planes themselves. The majority of expenditures (54 percent) are in the production of green hydrogen, followed by the costs for liquefying the hydrogen (23 percent), expanding hydrogen infrastructure at airports (12 percent), and distributing the fuel (6 percent).