Design of hydrogen supply networks for aviation: Dynamic optimization model and transition pathways for German airports

Hydrogen-based propulsion concepts for aircraft are considered a promising technology towards the decarbonization of aviation. While the development of respective aircraft models is in progress, questions regarding the supply network of green hydrogen are arising. We present a multi-period mixed-integer programming model for the hydrogen supply chain network design problem focusing on the aviation sector. The model minimizes the total network cost by making strategic decisions (e.g. suppliers, locations, capacities, transportation infrastructure) and tactical decisions (e.g. hydrogen flows, storage quantities) at different temporal resolutions. Our model formulation considers the spatially and temporally varying supply and demand of hydrogen, the techno-economic characteristics of hydrogen storage, liquefaction and transportation (e.g., economies of scale), as well as the specific requirements of hydrogen handling (e.g., losses). Model application is illustrated for a representative set of German airports with local production and hydrogen import options, considering the projected development of the European Hydrogen Backbone pipeline infrastructure. Optimal network designs (from production to the airport storage tanks) and corresponding costs are analyzed for different hydrogen demand scenarios. In addition to the model results, refueling costs at each airport are calculated separately, thereby covering the entire end-to-end supply chain and enabling the estimation of hydrogen cost at the pump. • Under high hydrogen demand scenarios towards 2050, the end-to-end H2 cost for aviation (including refu- eling) is projected at around USD 3.2/kgH2 in major airports such as Frankfurt, Munich and others. • Cost reductions in the H2 supply chain towards 2050 are primarily driven by learning effects, economies of scale, and the transition to more cost-efficient transportation modes as demand increases. • For low hydrogen demand, trucking is the most economical transport mode; for high demand, pipelines become more cost-effective. • The projected European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB) is pivotal for developing the hydrogen economy in the aviation sector. • Supplier diversification in response to seasonal climate variations enhances access to low-cost hydrogen and reduces the reliance on storage.