The Southeastern region of the United States is emerging as a key player in the push towards decarbonizing aviation and combatting climate change through the use of hydrogen energy. Scientists have long touted hydrogen as a promising solution due to its abundance, simplicity, and lightweight properties, but implementing this technology on a large scale has proven to be a complex challenge.
However, politicians in the Southeast, including U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Lindsey Graham of Georgia, along with U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia, are spearheading efforts to make hydrogen-powered aviation a reality. Their proposed Hydrogen Aviation Strategy Act, which was included in the recently signed FAA reauthorization bill, mandates the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct research and collaborate with industry partners to advance hydrogen technology in civil aviation.
Ossoff emphasized the potential of hydrogen energy to create new jobs, enhance energy security, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in various sectors, including transportation. Johnson echoed these sentiments, noting hydrogen’s crucial role in achieving zero-emission air travel.
Despite the Southeast not securing federal funding for clean hydrogen hubs, Georgia has been making strides in the hydrogen energy sector. Hyundai announced a partnership with Georgia Tech to explore the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel source in commercial vehicles. Ossoff has been actively engaging in discussions and roundtable sessions with industry leaders to promote hydrogen initiatives in the state.
Moreover, Georgia is home to the world’s first Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) plant in Soperton, which utilizes alcohol-to-jet technology to produce sustainable aviation fuel without relying on fossil fuels. This facility, operated by LanzaJet’s Freedom Pines Fuels, received significant funding from the Department of Energy to support its innovative approach to sustainable aviation.
Dr. Tim Liewen, an expert in aerospace engineering at Georgia Tech, emphasized the importance of considering hydrogen as an energy carrier rather than a fuel itself. He highlighted the challenges of electrolysis, the process of splitting water to obtain hydrogen, due to its high cost and storage requirements. Despite these obstacles, the discussion around hydrogen energy in aviation reflects a growing awareness of the urgent need to address climate change.
A comprehensive study conducted in 2020 revealed that global aviation has contributed significantly to climate change, with cumulative CO2 emissions reaching 32.6 billion tonnes between 1940 and 2018. This data underscores the pressing need to decarbonize the aviation sector, with hydrogen emerging as a promising solution in the fight against climate change.
In conclusion, the Southeast’s foray into hydrogen-powered aviation is gaining momentum, fueled by innovative partnerships, legislative support, and a collective commitment to addressing climate change through sustainable energy solutions. As the region continues to invest in hydrogen technology, it holds the potential to lead the way towards a cleaner and greener future for aviation.
https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/more-than-7200-without-power-across-metro-atlanta-gwcc/YLUNUM5Z6NEGRAYWY4LBW7Y4WE/ , https://www.11alive.com/article/weather/several-thousand-without-power-across-metro-atlanta-gwcc/85-f8f76df1-cc7f-493e-826d-3c7a170ad05f , https://www.11alive.com/article/weather/several-thousand-without-power-across-metro-atlanta-gwcc/85-f8f76df1-cc7f-493e-826d-3c7a170ad05f , 11alive.com ,
Several thousand without power across metro Atlanta – 11Alive