Feasibility assessment of airportbased hydrogen liquefaction infrastructure : A multi-airport case study

Abstract

Liquid hydrogen (LH2) is a leading zero-carbon aviation candidate, and European Union regulations (AFIR, ReFuelEU) now require airports to plan for hydrogen refuelling, increasing the need for airportspecific guidance beyond aircraft technologies and generic supply chains. This paper evaluates on-site liquefaction — receiving gaseous hydrogen via pipeline or local production and liquefying at the airport — using a framework that integrates plant layout with master-planning considerations, including land safeguarding, safety zoning, utility and grid readiness, and ownership models. Based on survey data from 43 airports (31 European), the quantitative analysis focuses on Europe for regulatory alignment, supported by 15 contrasting case studies. Among 26 European airports identifying a role for on-site liquefaction, average favourability scores are neutral to positive across land availability (4.23), integration (4.81 internal, 4.54 external), energy access (4.04) and pipeline access (4.88). However, outcomes vary significantly due to land, safety constraints, grid and renewable limitations, and hydrogen network development. Indicative thresholds suggest viability at ~20–50 tpd, requiring 8–30 MW and 20,000–50,000 m². Airports favour outsourcing or consortia due to CapEx, safety and technical demands. The paper provides a practical framework for assessing feasibility based on site-specific spatial, energy, safety and governance conditions. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.