Hydrogen Storage in Aviation

ZeroAvia and Verne are set to explore the benefits of cryo-compressed hydrogen (CcH2) for airport and aircraft operations. This collaboration represents a significant step towards enhancing hydrogen storage capabilities, promising to offer faster refueling and reduced operational costs, a crucial development in the pursuit of sustainable aviation.

“With our engines just a couple of years from flying passengers and cargo, it is important for us that we find the optimal solutions to support airport hydrogen ecosystems. Increasing storage capacity and refueling speed using novel technologies is an important avenue for scaling up hydrogen aviation, and we’re delighted to work with Verne on assessing the role of cryo-compressed hydrogen,”

Sergey Kiselev, Chief Business Officer of ZeroAvia

Innovative Partnership

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between ZeroAvia and Verne focuses on evaluating the application of CcH2 in both aircraft and airport settings. This collaboration is a testament to the companies’ shared commitment to advancing sustainable solutions in aviation.

• Verne’s Hydrogen Storage Systems: Capacity of 4 MWh.
• CcH2 Storage Prototype: 1 MWh, in partnership with Lawrence Livermore National Lab.
• Federal Grants: Funding from entities like ARPA-E.
• ZeroAvia’s Engine Development: ZA600 for short-range and ZA2000 for mid-range aircraft.
• Pre-orders: Nearly 2,000 engines pre-ordered, indicating over $10bn in future revenue potential.

Hydrogen’s Growing Role in Aviation

As the aviation industry grapples with its environmental impact, hydrogen emerges as a key player in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. ZeroAvia, known for its hydrogen-electric engines, and Verne, with its expertise in hydrogen storage and refueling technology, are at the forefront of this transformative shift.

Cryo-Compressed Hydrogen Advantages

Verne’s analysis reveals that CcH2 can achieve up to 40 percent greater usable hydrogen density compared to liquid hydrogen, and 200 percent greater than 350 bar gaseous hydrogen. This increase in energy density could enable longer-range flights and operational efficiencies previously unattainable with traditional hydrogen forms.

Strategic Development Goals

The partnership aims to scale CcH2 storage and refueling infrastructure globally, aligning with the increasing adoption of hydrogen-electric propulsion in larger aircraft. The initiative includes developing a model for initial airport locations in California, showcasing a scalable and efficient hydrogen ecosystem.

Industry Leaders’ Perspectives

ZeroAvia’s efforts in flight testing its ZA600 hydrogen-electric engine and Verne’s development of large hydrogen storage systems underscore the potential of this collaboration. Ted McKlveen, CEO & Co-Founder of Verne, highlights the significance of aviation as a market for hydrogen technologies, emphasizing the role of airports as centers for hydrogen activity.

Airports can be centers of hydrogen activity, with co-located hydrogen demand for aircraft, airport ground operations, and on-road commercial transportation. Cryo-compressed hydrogen has a key role in optimizing this ecosystem.”

Ted McKlveen, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Verne

Conclusion

The partnership between ZeroAvia and Verne could revolutionize the aviation sector. By harnessing the potential of cryo-compressed hydrogen, this alliance aims to significantly enhance hydrogen storage and refueling processes, setting new standards for environmentally-friendly aviation practices.