Singapore Pioneers Aviation Decarbonisation with Hydrogen Innovation

Byline: Vidhathri Matety

The Singapore Hydrogen Cooperation Committee (SHCC) has announced a revolutionary plan that is set to reshape the future of green aviation through the adoption of hydrogen as the main decarbonisation measure. This path-breaking exercise was developed through collaboration between Airbus, Changi Airport Group, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and Linde, which is a harbinger in the search for sustainable air travel.

According to the Chief Technology Officer, Sabine Klauke of Airbus, “Hydrogen represents huge potential by serving as a long-term decarbonisation pathway for aircraft operations”, a sentiment that has taken root in hydrogen investments all over Asia-Pacific. Klauke’s statement characterizes an industry-wide cooperation on transitioning to the use of sustainable aviation fuels. As per the data, the aviation sector of Singapore could probably drink up to 50 tonnes of liquid hydrogen daily by the 2040s, and the numbers could skyrocket to an astonishing 600 tonnes per day post-2050.

As the Director-General of CAAS, Mr Han Kok Juan communicates that the entire aviation community is working hand-in-hand towards the common objective of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. He emphasizes hydrogen’s vital role as a sustainable fuel paves the way for the broader introduction of sustainable aviation fuels.

Ms Poh Li San, Senior Vice President of Changi Airport Group, points out that a phased strategy is mandatory towards the adoption of technology based on hydrogen, emphasizing the industry’s thorough investigation of operational, safety, regulatory, and economic issues.

“John Panikar, EVP and CEO of Linde APAC; accentuates the importance of hydrogen in the worldwide clean energy transition, particularly in the field of aviation. He underlines the prospect that hydrogen could substantially reduce airborne emissions and airside ground activities, and the fact that the company, Linde, conforms with this by tapping into its extensive expertise in hydrogen for aviation.”

To ensure the seamless adoption of hydrogen-powered aviation, the Committee stresses the importance of vigilantly monitoring key developments in technology, regulations, infrastructure, and supply chains.

This collective effort represents a significant stride towards discovering sustainable air travel, positioning Singapore as a trailblazer in aviation decarbonisation. As the world looks towards a greener future, the commitment of industry leaders to harness hydrogen innovation underscores a collective determination to mitigate the environmental impact of air travel while advancing towards a more sustainable aviation ecosystem.