July 22: An Adelaide University-led study has mapped out a route to advance the commercial aviation industry towards a net-zero emissions future, powered by green hydrogen.
Aviation is one of the fastest growing producers of greenhouse gas emissions, generating around 14% of transport emissions – second to road transport. It is also one of the world's hardest-to-decarbonise industries. Unlike conventional jet fuel, hydrogen produces no direct carbon dioxide emissions during operation and, when generated from renewable energy sources, has the potential to transform the sector.
The comprehensive research, undertaken in collaboration with Hong Kong Polytechnic University, analysed 138 international studies published between 2015 and 2025 to consolidate how far the production of green hydrogen has progressed, and understand what’s needed to see it become commercially viable as a jet fuel solution.
Adelaide University PhD candidate Zahra Jaffary, lead author of the study, said green hydrogen is a viable technology but there are significant uncertainties around its feasibility, deployment and broader sector implications.
“Our research identified the current research trends and the immediate priorities that are needed to fill the gaps in understanding,” Jaffary said.
“There is a need for airport-specific case studies to assess hydrogen infrastructure needs, comparing onsite, offsite and hybrid supply chain models.
“We also need to urgently understand the future demand for fuel at airports, including spatial constraints and what refuelling systems could look like.
“And we need to identify the policy frameworks and regulatory measures needed to enable a successful transition to hydrogen power at the airport level.
"Additionally, hydrogen introduces safety considerations. Its wide flammability range, low ignition energy and need for careful handling require revised systems including design standards, leak detection and operational procedures for both aircraft and airport environments."
With airport operators set to play a pivotal role in a hydrogen transition, detailed knowledge is essential to inform the significant decisions and investments required, and long-term planning should start soon.
“Much effort is focused on improving the cost and efficiencies of hydrogen production,” Jaffary said.
“Our research has identified what else we need to know, implement and cost in order to make hydrogen jet fuel a reality, particularly given the long lead times for investment and infrastructure development.”
Co-researcher, Adelaide University’s Professor Shane Zhang, said the report’s findings highlight the need for government intervention and incentives to reduce the growing environmental impact of the sector.
“Without clear signals from airlines and governments, airports have little commercial incentive to invest in costly hydrogen infrastructure,” Professor Zhang said.
“Targeted policies, incentives and regulatory frameworks will be essential to provide certainty for investment and accelerate the adoption of clean hydrogen fuel.
“Australia has an incredible opportunity to become a leader in a future hydrogen aviation economy given its abundant renewable energy resources and green hydrogen ambitions, and we need to start getting the ducks in a row.”
