Airbus, Rolls-Royce, easyJet, GKN Aerospace, Bristol Airport and Danish renewable energy firm Ørsted have formed the Hydrogen in Aviation (HIA) alliance in the United Kingdom.
The proponents of this initiative will support the development of the British hydrogen aviation ecosystem through a multi-pronged effort that will take into consideration its infrastructure, regulatory and financial aspects.
In addition to applying their own expertise to the development of new hydrogen aviation projects (Airbus, for example, has an ongoing program to launch a family of hydrogen-powered aircraft by 2035), the HIA partners will also liaise with the relevant government bodies.
If hydrogen is to become a viable fuel alternative for aviation, proper infrastructure at airports as well as a clear regulatory framework will be needed.
HIA also wants to turn the current research and development funding of hydrogen projects into a longer term 10-year funding program.
Research by the UK’s Jet Zero council estimates that, in addition to helping decarbonize travel, the hydrogen aviation sector could potentially contribute around £34 billion (US$42 billion) to the British economy by 2050.