Resource requirements for the implementation of a global H2-powered aviation

Abstract

In this paper, the resource requirements for the implementation of global H2-powered aviation are investigated to answer one of the main questions asked by many stakeholders in the aviation industry: Are there any resource limitations for the implementation of H2-powered aviation on a global scale? For this, the raw material, renewable energy and water demands for the deployment and operational phase are investigated on a global and regional perspective. It is found that the iridium demand for a global hydrogen economy could be critical as it would exceed not only the current annual production by a factor of 11 but also the current reserves about 1.7 times. The H2-powered aviation alone is not the main driver of iridium demand but could increase the limitations. With reduced specific raw material demands of further optimized electrolysis technologies and increased annual raw material production, the limitations especially for the iridium demand could be overcome. Renewable energy capacities and water availability are sufficient for demands from H2-powered aircraft on a global perspective. Nevertheless, the limited availability of renewable energy sources in some regions and regional water constraints may necessitate hydrogen import for certain airports. While water desalination is likely to overcome water constraints in regions close to the sea, for airports located in regions with detrimental availability of renewable energy sources the import of hydrogen is the only way to ensure a hydrogen supply for H2-powered aviation.