SAF and hydrogen on the agenda of the Roissy Meaux Aeropole meetings
At the ‘Roissy Meaux Aéropôle meetings’, participants of a round table took stock of SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuels).
With representatives of *ADP, Elyse Energy, FedEx, GRTGaz and Safran, this session discussed both SAF and hydrogen. Regarding sustainable fuels, Safran said that its engines could be certified with 50% SAF, which is much higher than the thresholds in force as of today and for the next few years. The question of production was raised by Elyse Energy, which has its own ‘alcohol to jet’ process. As for the Fedex representative – who mentioned in passing the group’s highly ambitious decarbonisation programme for 2040 – expressed his desire to see these SAFs become more accessible and with fewer price differences. These fuels are 4 to 6 times more expensive in Europe than in the United States. And there are big differences from one country to another within Europe.
*ADP owns and manages Parisian international airports Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly Airport and Le Bourget Airport.
ADP wants to pool uses
When it comes to hydrogen, ADP has its own roadmap. The CEO, Edward Arkwright, explained that the ambition was to massively increase usage. For the moment, this hydrogen is used on the ground. The group has three stations at its airports (Le Bourget, Orly and Roissy) for taxis, but it may also be used by HGVs in the future. “We want to work on the regulations and encourage experimentation with engine and aircraft manufacturers”, said Mr Arkwright. While Airbus is still talking about 2035 for its hydrogen-powered aircraft, the ADP group is aiming for 2050 or 2060 for short- and medium-haul hydrogen-powered aircraft. “The question is whether to produce the hydrogen or bring it in from elsewhere”, he continued. CDG will need 700 tonnes per day and Orly 350 tonnes. This is why the Group has already planned to reserve a 20-hectare plot of land on the edge of the airport hub. It could also be used for other industrial purposes.
As far as transport is concerned, the issue has been addressed by GRTGaz. CEO Sandrine Meunier explained that several routes were possible. For example, the Hyfen project could bring hydrogen from Fos and the south of France to the north-east. The operator has another hub that comes from Le Havre and passes through the Seine valley. There are also possible links via Dunkirk, Maubeuge, or from the Atlantic coast via the port of Saint-Nazaire. The cost is reduced by reusing and optimising pipelines already used for gas.
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Article written by Laurent Meillaud and translated by Logan King
