- The EU-funded ALRIGH2T project has been featured in the EU Energy Projects Podcast by ENLIT Europe, highlighting how its work is helping prepare airports for the future deployment of liquid hydrogen in aviation.
ALRIGH2T has taken part in the EU Energy Projects Podcast, produced by ENLIT Europe, in an episode exploring how hydrogen technologies and artificial intelligence can contribute to the transformation of European aviation.
During the episode, María Yáñez, R&D Project Consultant at Zabala Innovation and member of the ALRIGH2T project coordination team, explains how the project is helping pave the way for the safe deployment of liquid hydrogen (LH₂) aircraft by generating the technical and operational evidence needed for future airport operations.
The conversation also features pAIramid project, represented by Andreas Villareal from Zabala Innovation, which explores the potential of artificial intelligence to support the certification of next-generation composite aircraft structures.
What will it take to bring liquid hydrogen to airports?
Aviation remains one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise. Hydrogen offers significant potential due to its high energy content by mass, but its use also brings new technical and operational challenges. As María Yáñez explains during the episode:
“Hydrogen contains around three times more energy by mass than conventional jet fuel, but it behaves very differently. If you want enough energy onboard an aircraft, you need liquid hydrogen, which has to be kept at cryogenic temperatures”.
This means airports will need to adapt their infrastructure and operations, introducing new storage systems, refuelling solutions, safety procedures and training requirements, while addressing the regulatory aspects of deploying a new energy carrier.
ALRIGH2T is tackling these challenges by developing and demonstrating solutions across the liquid hydrogen refuelling chain, while generating practical knowledge that can support future airport operations.
Building the path towards deployment
The experience gained through ALRIGH2T also shows that the transition goes beyond technology. Differences in approval requirements and permitting processes across Europe highlight the need for greater harmonisation and cooperation. Reflecting on the progress already made, María Yáñez highlights:
“Europe does not need to start from zero anymore. Many airports have already completed successful hydrogen demonstrations. Now it is time to build on that experience”.
Demonstrations provide valuable practical experience before hydrogen-powered aircraft enter commercial service. At the same time, collaboration between projects, airports, industry and authorities can help turn these lessons into shared knowledge and more harmonised procedures across Europe.
Could airports eventually become not only transport hubs, but also energy hubs? And how can Europe build on existing experience to prepare for the next stage of hydrogen aviation?
▶️ Listen to the full episode to discover the conversation!
