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Consortium Lays Pathway for Green Hydrogen Aviation in New Zealand

Our Bureau - : Sep 9, 2023 - : 6:58 am

New Zealand Hydrogen Aviation Consortium, a partnership comprising Airbus, Air New Zealand, Christchurch Airport, Fortescue, Hiringa Energy and Fabrum, can remove up to 900,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year by 2050 through the use of hydrogen-fuelled aircraft flying New Zealand domestic routes, says a new report.

Launched in February this year, the Consortium spent the last six months examining the hydrogen supply chain, evaluating the local aviation market’s projected hydrogen requirements, and scoping what it would take to establish a successful hydrogen ecosystem for aviation in New Zealand. The new report, ‘Launching green hydrogen powered aviation in Aotearoa New Zealand,’ contains recommendations for the regulations and incentives needed to support the transition to a green hydrogen aviation system.

According to the report, green hydrogen aviation will take-off in New Zealand if the country is able to scale affordable new generation renewable energy to support the production of green hydrogen. The country should develop the transmission and distribution capacity to move that renewable electricity to where it is needed, besides developing policies and regulations to create and support a green hydrogen ecosystem. The commercial viability of green hydrogen for aviation should be ensured, the report adds.

Airbus is working to develop the world’s first hydrogen aircraft for commercial use. Its ZEROe Ecosystem Vice President, Karine Guenan, says New Zealand is uniquely positioned to lead the testing and deployment of low carbon aircraft.

“The country’s large potential renewable electricity and water resources are key advantages while the size of aircraft used here and the length of routes flown match the capabilities of hydrogen-powered aircraft,” said Guenan. “This report lays out the ecosystem required to make that happen. It is a first step and Airbus is committed to leveraging our expertise to work with government, iwi, industries and other stakeholders to bring it to life.”

Christchurch-based company Fabrum is already working on hydrogen aviation projects overseas. Its Chairman and Co-Founder Christopher Boyle says green hydrogen is an important part of the future of clean flight. “Our team co-developed the world’s first electric aircraft engine for Magnix and built superconducting electric motors and rotors for SAFFRAN and Airbus. We’re currently manufacturing green hydrogen systems for airports and on-board liquid hydrogen tanks for low emission flights. The opportunity to use our experience to ensure green hydrogen aviation takes off in New Zealand is exciting.”

“Air New Zealand is committed to decarbonising its operations,” says Air New Zealand Chief Sustainability Officer, Kiri Hannifin. “Green hydrogen-fuelled aircraft is one of the potential levers we have available to us. This report provides important proof points for both the aviation sector and decision-makers to work together to make that happen.”

Christchurch Airport General Manager Future Planning and Sustainability Nick Flack says up to 6,700-gigawatt hours of renewable energy will be required to generate that green hydrogen. “That’s up to 16% of New Zealand’s current total electricity supply. That demand presents an opportunity for businesses. We’ve now committed to progressing a hydrogen hub as part of our 400-hectare renewable energy precinct, Kōwhai Park. Twenty other airports around the world are doing the same,” says Flack.

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