Hydrogen may facilitate Singapore's efforts towards reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector.
Singapore's aviation sector is embarking on an exciting journey towards decarbonisation, with hydrogen-powered aircraft being a key area of interest. The Singapore Hydrogen Cooperation Committee, formed in February 2022, is at the forefront of this initiative, bringing together Airbus, Changi Airport Group, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), and Linde.
The committee is currently examining the potential role of hydrogen fuel in Singapore's aviation decarbonisation journey. As of mid-2025, Singapore’s aviation decarbonisation strategy is actively exploring the potential of hydrogen-powered aircraft, but is still in early stages without a fixed timeline for commercial deployment.
Hydrogen Aircraft Development and Infrastructure
Hydrogen aircraft propulsion development is progressing globally, with companies like Green Aero demonstrating hydrogen-powered jet engine prototypes. However, commercial viability and widespread adoption are expected to be years away due to technical complexity and high costs. No specific hydrogen-powered aircraft deployment timelines for Singapore have been announced, with regional initiatives currently emphasizing sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) as a near-term measure.
Research and scenario analyses suggest hydrogen-powered aircraft could begin entering service between 2030 and 2050, coinciding with broader decarbonization goals for aviation. Infrastructure scenarios identified for hydrogen support emphasize the development of strategic hydrogen hubs, such as London Heathrow and Neom Bay, which integrate hydrogen production, storage, and refueling facilities required for commercial hydrogen aircraft operations.
Collaborative regional initiatives in Asia-Pacific, like Singapore’s APSAC group, focus on scaling renewable fuels production, cross-sector partnerships involving industry and government, and infrastructure readiness to support hydrogen and SAF adoption. Investment in hydrogen manufacturing and fueling infrastructure alongside existing airport logistics is critical. While other countries are progressing green hydrogen production plants near airports, Singapore’s specific infrastructure plans for hydrogen fueling stations or hubs have not yet been detailed publicly.
The Future of Hydrogen in Singapore's Aviation
The maturity of hydrogen aircraft technology is being monitored, with Airbus' ZEROe aircraft demonstrator expected to launch in 2027. The committee is also monitoring the development of Concepts of Operations (CONOPs) for logistics, storage, onsite distribution, and refueling of liquid hydrogen in an airport environment.
Ms. Poh Li San, a key member of the committee, stated that a phased approach should be taken as air hubs study how best to support the use of hydrogen by aircraft. The development of safety regulatory frameworks and standards around the use of liquid hydrogen for aircraft operations is being monitored.
John Panikar, EVP and CEO APAC at Linde, stated that hydrogen shows promise for reducing aircraft emissions and decarbonising airside ground activities. The relative price of liquid hydrogen as an alternative aircraft fuel is being monitored, and the readiness of other airports for liquid hydrogen aircraft operations is being considered.
In conclusion, Singapore is prioritizing sustainable aviation fuels while actively monitoring and collaborating on hydrogen propulsion development. Hydrogen-powered aircraft deployment and dedicated infrastructure are expected to emerge later in the 2030–2050 timeframe, contingent on overcoming technical, cost, and infrastructure challenges through continued innovation and regional cooperation.
- The Singapore Hydrogen Cooperation Committee is examining the potential role of hydrogen fuel in Singapore's aviation decarbonisation journey, with a focus on hydrogen-powered aircraft.
- Research and scenario analyses suggest hydrogen-powered aircraft could begin entering service between 2030 and 2050, with Airbus' ZEROe aircraft demonstrator expected to launch in 2027.
- John Panikar, from Linde, stated that hydrogen shows promise for reducing aircraft emissions and decarbonising airside ground activities, with the relative price of liquid hydrogen as an alternative aircraft fuel being monitored.
- While other countries are progressing green hydrogen production plants near airports, Singapore’s specific infrastructure plans for hydrogen fueling stations or hubs have not yet been detailed publicly.
