Hydrogen Supply Networks‘ Evolution for Air Transport – Supplementary Report

This supplementary report extends the scope of the HyNEAT final project report by integrating the hydrogen (H2) demand for H2-based Sustainable Aviation Fuels (eSAF) into the assessment of liquid hydrogen (LH2) supply infrastructure. While the main study focused exclusively on the infrastructure for direct H2 propulsion, this analysis extends that perspective by providing a comprehensive evaluation of a European airport network that accounts for the significant H2 demand associated with eSAF production. To comply with ReFuelEU Aviation mandates and overcome the scalability constraints of biogenic fuels, the sector must rely on eSAF for long-haul decarbonisation. Unlike biofuels, the power-to-liquid pathway creates a substantial demand for renewable H2. Consequently, this study determines the future for eSAF and LH2 demand and models the parallel supply chains for LH2 and eSAF to determine their aggregated impact on the European energy system, infrastructure optimisation, and macroeconomic landscape across varying uptake scenarios.