| Abstract: |
The aviation sector contributes approximately 2.5–3.5% of global anthropogenic radiative forcing, necessitating urgent decarbonization through transformative propulsion technologies. This empirical paper investigates hydrogen-powered aircraft propulsion as a viable pathway for sustainable aviation, analysing data across energy density benchmarks, emission reduction potential, propulsion system performance metrics, global program development trajectories, and techno-economic parameters. Employing a mixed quantitative methodology comprising secondary dataset analysis, comparative benchmarking, and multi-parameter regression modelling, this study synthesises data from peer-reviewed literature, industry white papers, and aviation regulatory reports. Tabular data across five dimensions are constructed and critically evaluated, establishing relationships between hydrogen energy characteristics, propulsion efficiency, emission abatement potential, and cost trajectories. Results indicate that hydrogen combustion turbines and proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems collectively offer 85–100% CO2 reduction, 85–95% NOx reduction, and near-elimination of particulate matter relative to conventional Jet propulsion. Green hydrogen production costs are projected to fall from USD 4.5–6.0/kg in 2023 to USD 1.5–2.5/kg by 2035, driven by electrolyzer scale-up and renewable energy maturation. Overall propulsion efficiency is projected to reach 55–65% by 2030 compared to 35–40% for conventional turbofans. The findings collectively affirm that hydrogen propulsion, while confronting challenges in storage density, infrastructure, and certification, represents the most technically credible and environmentally decisive propulsion solution for net-zero aviation by 2050. |
