EU-funded ALRIGH2T Project Targets TRL6 for Airport Liquid Hydrogen Refuelling
The initiative is developing cryogenic pumps and digital twins to mature hydrogen ground infrastructure at operational airports including Malpensa and Paris.
The EU-funded ALRIGH2T project is demonstrating liquid hydrogen (LH2) refuelling technologies at operational airports to accelerate the transition to sustainable aviation. The project aims to mature these systems to Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL6), a critical benchmark for proving technology in a relevant environment.
To achieve this, the project focuses on the hardware and software necessary for safe cryogenic fuel handling. The Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Linde are developing a novel liquid hydrogen centrifugal pump designed to transfer up to 2 tonnes of fuel per hour. On the infrastructure side, Piaggio Aerospace has defined the technical specifications and techno-economic boundary conditions for LH2 refuelling systems at both Paris and Malpensa airports, with direct refuelling demonstrations currently being prepared for the latter.
The Role of Digital Twins
Because handling cryogenic liquids in busy airport environments presents significant safety and operational risks, ALRIGH2T employs a multi-fidelity modeling approach. By combining Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), the project is creating a high-fidelity digital twin of the refuelling process. This virtual environment allows engineers to simulate fuel flow and thermal stresses before physical implementation. Additionally, the project is developing virtual reality training environments to ensure ground personnel are proficient in the unique safety requirements of LH2 handling before they interact with the equipment.
Why Infrastructure is the Bottleneck
While liquid hydrogen is a primary candidate for zero-emission flight due to its high energy density, the industry faces a massive infrastructure gap. Most current hydrogen demonstrations are small-scale or isolated; the challenge now lies in scaling these processes for the high-tempo environment of a commercial airport. As the ALRIGH2T project noted, while many airports have completed initial demonstrations, the industry must now build on that experience to create scalable, operational systems.
Path to Commercial Viability
Reaching TRL6 is a pivotal step toward the commercial viability of hydrogen-powered aircraft. By integrating digital twins and VR training, ALRIGH2T reduces the financial risk and physical danger associated with cryogenic testing. If successful, these demonstrations will provide a blueprint for how airports can integrate LH2 storage and delivery without disrupting existing flight operations. The next phase of the project will focus on the physical execution of these refuelling tests, which will determine if the developed centrifugal pumps and infrastructure specifications can meet the rigorous demands of real-world aviation schedules.