Green hydrogen flight in New Zealand is being paved by a consortium's plan
The New Zealand Hydrogen Aviation Consortium, a partnership of six international businesses, has announced a plan to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation sector. This ambitious plan aims to transition to liquid hydrogen-fuelled aircraft for domestic and medium-haul international flights, with the goal of cutting emissions by up to 900,000 tonnes per year by 2050.
At the heart of this plan is the development of hydrogen infrastructure at Christchurch Airport, including liquefaction and refuelling facilities, to enable hydrogen-powered aviation. This initiative is part of a broader effort led by Christchurch Airport to pioneer zero-emission aviation in New Zealand.
Airbus, a European leader in aerospace, defence, and connected services, is working on developing the world's first hydrogen aircraft for commercial use. The consortium's strategy complements other low-carbon aviation technologies like electric planes for short regional flights and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for long-haul flights.
Christchurch Airport, recognised as a global leader in sustainability, has already made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint. In 2020, it became the first airport in the world to reach the highest level of decarbonisation under the Airports Council International's carbon accreditation programme. Since 2006, its greenhouse gas emissions have been independently audited every year, with Scope 1 emissions (those under its direct control) now nearly 90% lower than 2015 levels.
Hiringa Energy, a New Zealand-based company headquartered in Taranaki, is playing a crucial role in this transition. They are building a high-capacity green hydrogen re-fuelling infrastructure across New Zealand with the first four stations under construction in Hamilton, Palmerston North, Auckland, and Tauranga. Hiringa Energy's Chief Executive, Andrew Clennett, states that green hydrogen is integral to the decarbonisation of New Zealand's domestic aviation network.
The consortium's modelling shows that New Zealand could use up to 100,000 tonnes of green hydrogen per year for hydrogen-fuelled aircraft by 2050, with most of it required to fuel planes at Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch airports. According to Christchurch Airport General Manager Future Planning and Sustainability Nick Flack, up to 6,700-gigawatt hours of renewable energy will be required to generate that green hydrogen, which is up to 16% of New Zealand's current total electricity supply.
Fabrum, a company with a strong background in aviation, including projects to decarbonise the industry, is manufacturing green hydrogen systems for ground-based infrastructure at airports and on-board fuel tanks to carry liquid hydrogen for zero emission flights.
The consortium's report, titled 'Launching green hydrogen powered aviation in Aotearoa New Zealand', highlights the need for physical and regulatory infrastructure to enable low emission aircraft to be trialled and deployed in New Zealand. They have also developed recommendations for the regulations and incentives needed to support the transition to a green hydrogen aviation system.
Fortescue, a global metals and green energy company, is committed to producing green hydrogen, containing zero carbon, from renewable electricity. They are leading the green industrial revolution, acquiring and developing technology solutions for hard-to-decarbonise industries, while building a global portfolio of renewable green hydrogen and green ammonia projects.
The New Zealand Hydrogen Aviation Consortium's plan is a significant step towards achieving New Zealand's climate goals by mid-century. By adopting hydrogen-fuelled aircraft and building the necessary supply chain infrastructure, the consortium aims to achieve a dramatic cut in aviation emissions, contributing to a more sustainable future for New Zealand and the world.
[1] For more details, you can find the Consortium's report here: [Link to the report]
- The development of hydrogen infrastructure, such as liquefaction and refueling facilities, in Christchurch Airport is a crucial part of the New Zealand Hydrogen Aviation Consortium's plan, which aims to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation sector and transition to liquid hydrogen-fuelled aircraft by 2050.
- Technology companies like Fabrum are manufacturing green hydrogen systems for ground-based infrastructure at airports and on-board fuel tanks, integral to the decarbonisation of New Zealand's domestic aviation network as proposed by the consortium.
- Fortescue, a global metals and green energy company, is committed to producing green hydrogen, zero carbon, from renewable electricity, playing a key role in the green industrial revolution and supporting the consortium's goal of a sustainable future by dramatically cutting aviation emissions.
