Independent study on use of hydrogen and fuel cells for aircraft propulsion.

The aim of the independent study it to investigate the potential of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies in the field of aircraft propulsion. Besides tackling the technical challenges an initial study is needed to:

— understand if and how fuel cell and/or hydrogen based propulsion architectures are suitable for aircraft propulsion and in which aircraft category (payload/range/mission) and with which potential benefits in terms of aircraft performance and emissions,

— identify technical and non-technical barriers for the implementation of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies in the aviation sector and highlight needs in terms of research and innovation (R&I), regulation and standards, as well as (market and economic) conditions,

— identify and understand the deployment challenges related to production, logistics and infrastructure that are compatible with airport operations and air transport networks.

The study under this procurement should identify the potential for fuel cell and/or hydrogen based aircraft propulsion and produce recommendations on future activities with particular focus on R&I efforts in this field in the next decade and policy to support the potential market adoption thereafter.