Aviation is one of the fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions, generating around 14% of transport emissions—second only to road transport. It is also one of the world's hardest-to-decarbonize industries. Unlike conventional jet fuel, hydrogen produces no direct carbon dioxide emissions during operation and, when generated from renewable energy sources, has the potential to transform the sector.
An Adelaide University–led study has now mapped out a route to advance the commercial aviation industry toward a net-zero emissions future powered by green hydrogen. The comprehensive research, conducted in collaboration with Hong Kong Polytechnic University, analyzed 138 international studies published between 2015 and 2025 to determine how far green hydrogen production has progressed and what is needed to make it commercially viable as a jet fuel solution.
Adelaide University Ph.D. candidate Zahra Jaffary, lead author of the study published in Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, said green hydrogen is a viable technology, but significant uncertainties remain around its feasibility, deployment and broader sector implications.
"Our research identified the current research trends and the immediate priorities needed to fill gaps in understanding," Jaffary said. "There is a need for airport-specific case studies to assess hydrogen infrastructure needs, comparing onsite, offsite and hybrid supply chain models.
