Zero Emission Fuel Cells Will Replace Kerosene In 15 Cessna Caravan Utility Planes – CleanTechnica

Advancing Sustainable Aviation through Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

Project Overview and EU Funding

• The EU Innovation Fund has awarded a €21.4 million grant to the US-UK firm ZeroAvia.
• The funding supports the “Operations to Decarbonize Interconnectivity in Norway” (ODIN) project.
• The project’s primary objective is to retrofit 15 Cessna Caravan aircraft with ZeroAvia’s ZA600 hydrogen fuel cell electric engines.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This initiative directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by fostering innovation in clean energy and sustainable infrastructure.

1. SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): The project promotes the transition to hydrogen, a clean energy carrier, for aviation.
2. SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): It represents a significant technological innovation in the aviation industry and involves the development of new, sustainable refueling infrastructure.
3. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The creation of a zero-emission regional flight network enhances sustainable transport links between communities.
4. SDG 13 (Climate Action): The core mission is to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aviation, taking urgent action to combat climate change.
5. SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The project exemplifies a public-private partnership between the European Union and ZeroAvia to achieve shared sustainability objectives.

Addressing Infrastructure and Production Challenges for SDG 7 and SDG 9

The ODIN Project: Building a Sustainable Infrastructure Network

• To address the challenge of fuel availability, the ODIN project includes the development of hydrogen refueling and storage facilities at 15 Norwegian airports.
• This integrated approach of developing both the aircraft and the necessary ground infrastructure is crucial for achieving SDG 9 by building a resilient and sustainable transportation network.
• The project aims to establish the world’s largest network of zero-emission commercial flights, serving as a model for other regions.

Ensuring Clean Energy Production (SDG 7 & SDG 12)

• A critical component for achieving true zero-emission flight is the use of “green hydrogen,” produced from renewable energy sources. This aligns with SDG 7’s target for increasing the share of renewable energy.
• The project acknowledges the current reliance of the global hydrogen supply on fossil fuels and supports the European Commission’s goal of establishing a green hydrogen supply chain.
• ZeroAvia is actively working to secure a supply of green hydrogen, which supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by shifting away from carbon-intensive fuel sources.

Impact and Future Projections for Climate Action (SDG 13)

Emission Reduction Targets

• The retrofitted hydrogen-electric aircraft are projected to achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions exceeding 95% compared to conventional kerosene-fueled aircraft.
• This substantial reduction is a direct and measurable contribution to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by mitigating the aviation sector’s environmental impact.

Scaling Innovation for Broader Impact

The ODIN project, scheduled to be operational by 2028, is a foundational step toward wider decarbonization efforts. ZeroAvia’s future development plans include:

1. Certification of an engine for aircraft with up to 20 seats.
2. Development of a larger engine for the 40-80 seat aircraft market.
3. Expansion into emerging markets such as electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), supported by regulatory changes like the FAA’s MOSAIC rule.

Comparative Analysis of Decarbonization Pathways

Hydrogen Fuel Cells vs. Battery-Electric Technology

• Hydrogen fuel cell systems are presented as a competitive alternative to battery-electric propulsion.
• Reported advantages include significantly extended range, reduced maintenance costs associated with battery cycling, and faster turnaround times due to quicker refueling.
• ZeroAvia’s modular “SuperStack Flex” system is designed to be lightweight and scalable, making it suitable for a variety of aircraft types.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells vs. Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)

• Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), including e-fuels synthesized from green hydrogen and captured carbon, represent another key pathway to decarbonizing aviation.
• While SAFs offer a “drop-in” solution for existing aircraft, the development of hydrogen-electric propulsion provides a direct-use, zero-emission alternative.
• The growth of both SAF e-fuels and hydrogen fuel cell technology underscores the central role of green hydrogen in achieving the industry’s climate goals, reinforcing the importance of SDG 7 and SDG 13.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• The article focuses on shifting aviation fuel from conventional kerosene to hydrogen, specifically “green hydrogen” produced from renewable resources. This directly supports the transition to cleaner energy sources.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• The core of the article is about technological innovation in the aviation industry (hydrogen fuel cell electric engines). It also details the development of new, sustainable infrastructure, such as the plan to outfit 15 Norwegian airports with hydrogen refueling and storage facilities.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• The project aims to create the “world’s largest network of zero-emission commercial flights.” This contributes to building sustainable transport systems by providing a cleaner alternative for regional travel and cargo, reducing the environmental impact of transportation networks.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• The primary motivation for developing hydrogen-powered aircraft is to combat climate change. The article explicitly states that the retrofitted aircraft are expected to achieve an “in excess of 95% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions,” directly addressing the need for urgent action to mitigate climate change.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• The project is a collaboration between multiple entities: ZeroAvia (a US-UK private firm), the European Union (a public body providing a €21.4 million grant), and Norway (the host country). This public-private partnership is essential for financing and implementing such an ambitious sustainable development project.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The article’s emphasis on securing a supply of “green hydrogen,” which is produced using renewable energy, directly aligns with increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix for the transportation sector.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure. The ODIN project’s plan to equip 15 Norwegian airports with “hydrogen refueling and storage facilities” is a direct effort to build new, sustainable infrastructure to support a clean technology.
• Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable…and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies. The project involves retrofitting 15 conventional Cessna Caravan aircraft with ZA600 hydrogen fuel cell electric engines, which is a clear example of upgrading existing infrastructure with clean technology.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all. The creation of a “network of zero-emission commercial flights” in Norway is a pilot project aimed at establishing a new mode of sustainable transport, contributing to this target.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. The EU Innovation Fund’s decision to provide a grant for this project demonstrates the integration of climate action into funding and industrial strategies, promoting technologies that reduce emissions.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships. The project is explicitly a public-private partnership involving the EU (public), ZeroAvia (private), and Norway, demonstrating a collaborative model to advance sustainable technology.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicators for SDG 9 and 11

• Number of aircraft retrofitted: The article specifies that “15 Cessna Caravan aircraft” will be retrofitted. This is a direct quantitative measure of upgrading infrastructure.
• Number of airports with new infrastructure: The plan to outfit “15 Norwegian airports with hydrogen refueling and storage facilities” is a concrete indicator of infrastructure development for sustainable transport.

Indicators for SDG 13

• Percentage reduction in greenhouse gas emissions: The article provides a specific performance metric, stating the project is “expected to see in excess of 95% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions” compared to conventional fuel. This is a direct indicator of climate change mitigation.

Indicators for SDG 17

• Financial resources committed to the partnership: The article mentions a “€21.4 million grant” from the EU Innovation Fund. This quantifies the financial commitment from a public partner to support the project’s goals.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: cleantechnica.com