Comparative Study of Liquefied Hydrogen and Power-to-Liquids in Aviation

This report presents a comprehensive study commissioned by Deutsche Aircraft and conducted by LBST, comparing the economic and environmental performance of Liquefied Hydrogen (LH2) and Power-to-Liquids (PtL) as Sustainable Aviation Fuels (e-SAF). The focus is on domestic production in North America and Europe, while also considering North Africa and the Middle East as potential export regions. The findings indicate that LH2 could potentially undercut PtL production costs under higher airline demands, although significant infrastructure investments are required for LH2. In contrast, PtL requires only minor upgrades to existing systems. The study also evaluates greenhouse gas emissions and highlights the need for a dedicated fuel standard to minimize non-CO2 effects. The analysis aims to provide guidance for stakeholders in the aviation sector regarding the transition to sustainable fuels and the associated challenges and benefits.