Hydrogen Propulsion Technology for Decarbonizing Aircraft Transport: Environmental and Technical Analysis

Decarbonizing aircraft transport, such as aircraft, is becoming a central priority in global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet long-term climate targets. This study evaluates the technical and environmental performance of hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion as an alternative to conventional jet fuel in commercial aviation. The analysis examines key aircraft design requirements, including the integration of liquid hydrogen storage tanks, fuel-cell power systems, cryogenic handling components, and electric propulsion units. It also considers the airport-side needs for hydrogen production, liquefaction, storage, and refueling, highlighting the importance of coordinated infrastructure planning for future deployment.

An environmental assessment indicates that hydrogen fuel-cell aircraft can eliminate in-flight CO₂ emissions and substantially reduce other pollutants, supporting cleaner operations and improved air quality around airports. From a technical standpoint, fuel-cell propulsion provides high energy efficiency, reduced mechanical complexity, and low noise levels, making it particularly suitable for short- and medium-range aircraft segments where electric propulsion architectures are more readily implemented.

Overall, the findings emphasize the strong potential of hydrogen fuel-cell systems to contribute to aviation decarbonization. The study offers practical insights for aircraft manufacturers, airport planners, and policymakers seeking to enable the transition toward zero-emission air transport and guide future development pathways for hydrogen-powered aviation.