The Hydrogen Runway : Fostering niche technology: A case of Hydrogen in Swedish aviation

Abstract: Sustainability challenges is a growing concern that receives more and more attention on a global level. The aviation sector accounts for roughly 3% of the global CO2 emissions and has experienced increasing growth in demand. To address the sustainability challenges, the Swedish government has established a timeline within which it is hoped to have achieved a zero-net emission transportation sector by the year of 2045. This study aims to determine the conditions needed for hydrogen technology to take off as a measure to accelerate the decarbonisation within aviation. To identify the conditions needed for fostering hydrogen technology in the Swedish aviation industry, the frameworks multi-level perspective and business models were used to create an analytical framework upon which the analysis was based. It pertains to answering what the current perceptions regarding hydrogen technology are, and the implications of the perceptions. Also, it helps identify the conditions needed for the emergence of potential business models. The analysis was performed on data acquired through 11 semistructured interviews, as well as literature concerning hydrogen, kerosene, and sustainability. The findings showcase a consensus of hydrogen’s potential as future fuel in the aviation sector. Four main themes were used to identify the potential of hydrogen, (i) The readiness of the technology and availability of hydrogen as a scalable fuel; (ii) The perceived visibility of hydrogen over time; (iii) The sustainability aspect coupled to the use of hydrogen; (iv) The strategic actions to promote hydrogen. These build on the fact that correct knowledge is generated. However, the commitment to the hydrogen pathway is inhibited by a distinct disparity of opinion regarding the readiness of the pathway in aviation which highlights a difficulty of transferring the generated knowledge. Overall, the noted conditions that hinder the common vision of the pathway’s development regards to the cultural discourse and framing of hydrogen as well as the availability and associated cost of sustainable hydrogen. Through the establishment of networks and business models unique to the capabilities of the Swedish aviation industry an opportunity is presented for the Swedish aviation industry to position themselves as pioneers in the introduction of hydrogen to the industry. With the help from governmental actions and cross-industry applicability, functioning ecosystems can be created that will foster hydrogen technology and help achieve the set climate goals.