Conclusion: The outlook

LH₂’s potential extends beyond its current technology and financial challenges. It encompasses the potential for cost reductions through technological advancements and economies of scale. Recent studies suggest a promising decrease in hydrogen prices, projecting a threefold reduction over the next 30 years, as technology improves and production scales up. This is important, as we require costs to come down for hydrogen propulsion to be competitive in the long term.

Potentially, liquid hydrogen would be the best candidate for longer flight ranges, where volume is not a consideration, as it has a much higher mass-energy density compared to aviation fuel. Its volumetric energy density is, however, a lot lower. The potential exists for it to offer greater levels of fuel efficiency and improved flight ranges – but there’s a lot of work to be done first.

Several key elements are crucial for the responsible and effective development of hydrogen technology in the aeronautical sector. We need:

The materials: Research materials, components and thermal management systems that can withstand the demands of liquid hydrogen; eg. maintaining cryogenic temperatures whilst staving off hydrogen embrittlement (HE) - in which metals are weakened through their interaction with hydrogen.
The infrastructure: Hydrogen must be produced globally, and integrated with current and future energy production systems. Distribution and storage are also important; it must be safely and efficiently transported in liquid form from production sites to airports - and stored in a network of hydrogen refueling stations at major airports.
The public awareness: Awareness campaigns to educate stakeholders and the public about the benefits and safety of liquid hydrogen. This could also include working with educational institutions to incorporate hydrogen technology into aerospace engineering curricula, thus encouraging the next generation of hydrogen engineers in aviation.
The ecological case: Comprehensive lifecycle assessments that quantify the environmental benefits of liquid hydrogen and also identify areas for improvement in its production and supply chain. More clean energy production methods for hydrogen synthesis.
The business case: We must reduce the entire cycle's costs, encompassing production, distribution, storage, and utilization of hydrogen. This requires us to optimize each step and clearly communicate the potential long-term benefits.
The incentives: Ensuring safety in hydrogen use requires a comprehensive regulatory framework, providing stability for entities, research centers, and users. It also requires increased public-private partnerships to leverage government opportunities, eg. funding and tax incentives created for sustainable technologies, like hydrogen.

Seize the liquid hydrogen opportunity

LH₂’s early adopters are likely to enjoy a significant strategic advantage in a global aviation market increasingly driven by sustainability and regulatory compliance.

Capgemini is a key player in the hydrogen industry. Offering services ranging from system design to market entry strategies, we are strategically positioned to tackle the challenges of the evolving hydrogen value chain. We have provided services to the space sector since 2014. As such, we understand how to solve the engineering challenges of liquid hydrogen.

For example, Capgemini's involvement in system design, aiding equipment manufacturers in optimizing electrolyzers, can significantly enhance hydrogen production efficiency [7][8].
Our extensive digital modeling capabilities allow us to co-create digital twins for hydrogen production systems, which, for example, offer opportunities for more efficient product development and optimization.

Software development also plays a crucial role in optimizing the cost of energy management systems, thermal management, system monitoring and control. By creating intelligent and efficient algorithms, we can significantly reduce energy consumption and improve system performance, thereby lowering costs [8][10].

Capgemini can help you develop standardized carbon accounting methodologies and tools, to make the case for LH₂.

Our role in market entry, providing guidance to energy leaders on market analysis and strategy development, demonstrates a comprehensive approach to supporting clients in navigating hydrogen markets. Leveraging data valuation and software solutions for manufacturing optimization aligns with the industry's focus on data-driven innovation.

Mylène THIERY, Ph.D.
Next Gen & Sustainable A&D Offer Lead | Aerospace & Defense Industry

Kerry-Ann ADAMSON
Global Head of Sustainable Engineering Services and Climate Tech

Florent ANDRILLON
EVP Global Head Climate Tech

Jérémy CURE, Ph.D.
Global coordination for Hydrogen

Valérie HENRARD
Presales Director, Global Sustainability Growth Platform

Bragadesh DAMODARAN
VP Energy Transition & Utilities | Industry Platform Lead

Divyesh ARORA, Ph.D.
Manager

Fabien BONICEL.
Head of CoE for Sustainability FR

Badr Eddine LEBROUHI, Ph.D.
Scientific Project Leader R&I

Serafin ESCUDERO FRAILE, MSc
Aeronautical Engineering, ETSIAE, Universidad Politéccnica de Madrid

Oliver HEGEN, Ph.D.
Head of Hydrogen DE, Capgemini Engineering

Mohammed LAMINE OUINTEN, Ph.D.
Engineer

Antoine MALLET
T&I Future of Air Mobility Program Lead FR

Alan JEAN MARIE, Ph.D.
Head of Future of Energy Program

Pamela RAMIREZ VIDAL
R&I Project Manager

Christelle RABBAT
R&I Project Manager

Sultan MAHMOOD, Ph.D.
Senior Engineer

Stéphane LACROIX
Facility Solution Leader, Industrial Operation

Jean Luc CHABAUDIE
Head of Technology & Innovation Morocco

Richard BIAGIONI
VP Climate Tech | Sustainability Services

Sébastien KAHN
VP Sustainability Industry

Anne-Lise MIGLIETTI
Senior Manager, Sustainable Futures

Authors

References

[1] Capgemini, “Fit for Net-Zero" - https://www.capgemini.com/insights/research-library/fit-for-net-zero/

[2] Capgemini, “Low-carbon hydrogen: A path to a greener future” - https://www.capgemini.com/insights/research-library/green-hydrogen/

[3] Capgemini, “Climate tech: Harnessing the power of technology for a sustainable future" - https://www.capgemini.com/insights/research-library/climate-tech-research/

[4] Capgemini, “Conversations for Tomorrow #7: Sustainability and climate tech” - https://www.capgemini.com/insights/research-library/conversations-for-tomorrow-7/

[5] Capgemini, “Alternative fuels for aviation” - https://www.capgemini.com/insights/research-library/alternative-fuels-for-aviation/

[6] Capgemini, “H2 – The future of automotive fuel" - https://www.capgemini.com/insights/expert-perspectives/hydrogen-the-future-of-automotive-fuel/

[7] Capgemini, “Reducing low-carbon hydrogen investment and operating costs" - https://www.capgemini.com/insights/research-library/reducing-low-carbon-hydrogen-investment-and-operating-costs/

[8] Capgemini, “Digital levers for enhancing and accelerating the development of low-carbon hydrogen" - https://www.capgemini.com/insights/research-library/accelerating-the-development-of-low-carbon-hydrogen/

[9] Capgemini, “Unlocking the hydrogen age" - https://www.capgemini.com/insights/research-library/unlocking-the-hydrogen-age/

[10] Capgemini, “Reducing low-carbon hydrogen investment and operating costs” - https://www.capgemini.com/insights/research-library/reducing-low-carbon-hydrogen-investment-and-operating-costs/?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_content=sustainability_advocacy_image_whitepaper_none&utm_campaign=other_sustainibility_hydrogenwp