World Wildlife Fund director for global energy policy Stephan Singer.has urged the aviation industry to focus its research and development programmes on liquid hydrogen rather than third-generation biofuels.
Speaking at the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe's (ASD) Aeroweek conference, Singer said liquid hydrogen and algae-derived biofuels should be the focus of investment over other alternative fuels because they are less likely to interfere with land used for food production.
"Liquid biofuels may come in as the only alternative to oil but there is a vivid debate to look into liquid hydrogen as a long-term solution," says Singer. "Liquid biofuels may provide a short-term solution but they are also carbon-based."
However, engine company Safran has pointed out the challenges in developing liquid hydrogen fuel for aviation use, such as storage capacity for starters. Jean-Paul Herteman, CEO of Safran, says: "If you look at the Airbus A380, we know how to make the engines and store hydrogen but there would be no available room left for passengers."
Nonetheless, Singer has still urged the industry to step up its research and development on the use of liquid hydrogen, saying inroads can be made.