Turbotech, Safran, and Air Liquide successfully tested the first liquid hydrogen turbine engine for light aviation. Safran Group
The aviation industry has long sought to push the boundaries of technological advancement and sustainability.
A significant milestone has been achieved with the successful ground test of a turbine engine powered by liquid hydrogen, a collaboration between Turbotech, Safran, and Air Liquide.
This test represents a crucial step forward in the pursuit of clean energy solutions for aviation.
Breaking new ground: Liquid hydrogen in aviation
On January 13, 2025, Turbotech, Safran, and Air Liquide, with the support of the French Civil Aviation Authority, made history by completing the first-ever ground test of a turbine engine fueled by liquid hydrogen. The success of this test marks the first time such fuel has been used in a turbine engine for the light aviation market.
The test follows a similar achievement from the previous year, when Safran and Turbotech tested a small TP-R90 turboprop engine on hydrogen gas.
This was part of the BeautHyFuel project, which aims to explore hydrogen’s potential in light aviation. The success of the liquid hydrogen test marks a major milestone in the quest for decarbonized aircraft propulsion.
Hydrogen: The future of clean aviation propulsion
Hydrogen has long been considered a promising clean alternative to traditional fossil fuels. When burned at lower temperatures, it emits only water vapor.
However, challenges arise when hydrogen is burned at higher temperatures, above 2,000 ºF (1,093 ºC). This high temperature can cause a reaction between nitrogen in the air and oxygen, leading to the creation of nitrogen oxides (NOx). These NOx emissions are a significant contributor to air pollution and acid rain.
Despite this challenge, hydrogen still stands out as a cleaner alternative to kerosene and gasoline. Even when hydrogen combustion produces NOx, it does not emit carbon dioxide (CO2), soot, or unburned hydrocarbons, which are common byproducts of fossil fuel combustion.
Additionally, hydrogen has nearly three times the energy density of jet fuel, with 33.3 kWh/kg compared to kerosene’s 12.0 kWh/kg.
“By coupling our technology to Air Liquide’s cryogenic storage system, which provides the energy density needed for aircraft applications, we’ve demonstrated that a complete high-tech propulsion solution with zero carbon emissions in flight is possible and that it can be directly integrated into light aircraft,” said Pierre-Alain Lambert, VP Hydrogen Programs, Safran.
Challenges and benefits of liquid hydrogen
Although hydrogen is an exciting and sustainable fuel, it is not without its challenges. Currently, hydrogen remains expensive and difficult to handle. Specialized equipment and infrastructure are required to produce, store, and utilize it. Liquid hydrogen, in particular, must be kept at extremely low temperatures, below -423 ºF (-253 ºC), to remain in its liquid form. This requires advanced cryogenic storage systems.
However, liquid hydrogen offers several advantages over its gaseous counterpart. While hydrogen gas must be stored at extremely high pressures (10,150 psi or 700 bar), liquid hydrogen is far denser and can be stored at much lower pressures (15-145 psi or 1-10 bar). This means that liquid hydrogen can store more fuel in the same volume, which translates into greater range for aircraft.
Xavier Traversac, VP of Air Liquide Advanced Technologies, emphasized the importance of hydrogen in the transition to low-carbon aviation, “Hydrogen is one of the key elements in the energy transition – and this success is another step toward low-carbon flying.”
The road ahead for hydrogen in aviation
Despite the challenges, the long-term potential of hydrogen as a fuel for aviation is undeniable. As technology and infrastructure continue to improve, hydrogen is poised to play a pivotal role in making aviation more sustainable.
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With the support of key players like Turbotech, Safran, and Air Liquide, the aviation industry is taking bold steps toward a future where aircraft are powered by clean, renewable energy sources.
“This is a major step forward in the transition to fully decarbonized aircraft propulsion, which will be ready to fly as soon as the world mass-produces green hydrogen,” said Damien Fauvet, CEO of Turbotech. As hydrogen technology continues to evolve, the dream of zero-emission aviation may soon become a reality.
