Low-fare airline easyJet has led the first airside hydrogen refuelling trial, codenamed Project Acorn, at Bristol Airport in the UK.
The trial, which was in development for more than a year and involved the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as an independent reviewer of the safety cases, will now accelerate the use of hydrogen in aviation. Many in the industry expect hydrogen-powered aviation to be pivotal in delivering net zero.
During the trial, hydrogen was used to refuel and power critical parts of easyJet’s ground operations at Bristol Airport and in turn, proved that hydrogen gas can be a safe and reliable option in place of other fuels. In addition, it can be used efficiently for ground equipment in the busy airport environment.
“Trials like this are very important in building the safety case and providing critical data and insight to inform the development of the industry’s first regulatory framework. This will ensure regulation not only keeps pace with innovation, but importantly also supports the industry in meeting its decarbonisation targets by 2050,” said David Morgan, Chief Operating Officer at easyJet.
Green hydrogen, produced from renewables, is an inspiring alternative aircraft fuel as, unlike other alternatives, it produces no carbon emissions. If it is fully established, it will significantly assist with the industry’s decarbonisation goals. The Jet Zero Council’s strategy forecasts that investing quickly in hydrogen aviation could help the UK secure up to 19% of the global aerospace market by 2050, bringing annual benefits of £178bn. This could mean an extra £34bn each year for the UK and could provide upwards of 60,000 new jobs across the country.
“It’s without doubt that hydrogen will be an important fuel of the future for short-haul aviation, as demonstrated by the rate of innovation we’re seeing,” said David Morgan, Chief Operating Officer at easyJet.
Investing in hydrogen will continue to help to maintain and protect the social benefits of flying, continuing to connect people to business, loved ones and new destinations.
Image: easyJet
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