JeremiahBoogle t1_j6kgu48 wrote on January 30, 2023 at 11:30 PM

Reply to comment by IRMacGuyver in Successful test flight of Hydrogen-Electric Airplane could be key to zero-carbon flying. Aim for commercial 700 mile flight with 40-80 seater aircraft by 2027. by DisasterousGiraffe

But it can be. It isn't right now.

I don't get how we're still arguing this.

Burning fossil fuel derived jet fuel can never be zero carbon.

Burning hydrogen derived from fossil fuel isn't zero carbon, BUT that fuel can be made from renewables, which would make it zero carbon for all intents and purposes.

Of course right now that's highly inefficient, but this may not always be the case.

IRMacGuyver t1_j6lq00x wrote on January 31, 2023 at 5:22 AM

Except it can't be ever. There just isn't an efficient way to make and store hydrogen that can't be done better by regular batteries. The making of hydrogen will always produce more carbon emissions than battery technologies.

JeremiahBoogle t1_j6m1wwn wrote on January 31, 2023 at 7:41 AM

Right but this is an article about jet fuel.

And batteries right now weigh around 50 times more for the same energy density as jet fuel. Even taking into account the efficiency differences between electrical powered props & a jet engine. Its still not even close.

On a car this is not an issue, it doesn't need to take off and it can always stop to recharge.

Right now battery tech isn't close to being able to replace aviation fuel. Which leaves either bio fuels, or an alternative like Hydrogen.