Exploring Applications of Green Hydrogen for Ariane 6 and Beyond

The European Space Agency (ESA) and France’s space agency CNES are working on a groundbreaking project called Hyguane, aimed at producing hydrogen fuel for Ariane 6 – Europe’s new heavy-lift rocket – in a more sustainable way. Currently, hydrogen is produced in French Guiana through the steam reforming of methanol, which emits a significant amount of carbon dioxide. However, the new project aims to switch to solar-powered electrolysis of water, which can reduce carbon dioxide emissions for hydrogen production by five times.

The Hyguane facility, which is a €40.5 million investment in a solar farm and distribution systems, is expected to be fully operational by 2026. It’s designed to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions, with the potential to save over 3000 tonnes of equivalent carbon dioxide emissions per year. Additionally, it will supply up to 12% of the hydrogen needed for Ariane 6 launches, based on an estimated nine launches per year. By using low-carbon hydrogen generated through solar-powered electrolysis, the project aims to reduce the environmental footprint of rocket launches and ground operations at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

However, the impact of the project extends beyond the space sector. It will also enable the operation of low-carbon vehicles and hydrogen electricity generators in French Guiana. A hydrogen refueling station operated by SARA and a Hydrogen Competence Centre operated by MT-Aerospace will play crucial roles in promoting low-carbon transport in the region. In addition to these efforts, CNES and ESA aim to make 90% of Europe’s Spaceport run on renewable energy by 2030.

The Hyguane project is seen as a major step towards a more sustainable future. Teddy Peponnet, head of the project for ESA, expresses his confidence that the facility will serve as a shining example of carbon-free hydrogen production. He further emphasizes that the project aims to set an example for other sustainable initiatives.

The consortium agreement for Hyguane was signed on December 13th, marking the start of the building phase. The agreement involves four companies: Air Liquide, SARA, MT-Aerospace, and BEBLUE, as well as three universities – Université de Guyane, Université de Liège, and Université Libre de Bruxelles. ESA, CNES, and ADEME, the French agency in charge of ecological transition, are also part of the project. ADEME is providing financial support of €10 million.

Once completed, the project could be expanded to double the production of hydrogen, allowing for the supply of additional vehicles and hydrogen electricity generators. Hyguane represents a significant shift towards green hydrogen and a technical revolution that is expected to have a major impact on the future of sustainable energy.

In conclusion, the Hyguane project brings together several stakeholders, including ESA, CNES, universities, and companies, to develop a more sustainable production facility for hydrogen fuel. This facility will not only meet the fuel demand of Ariane 6 rocket launches but also contribute to the transition to low-carbon transport in French Guiana. With its focus on solar-powered electrolysis and reducing carbon dioxide emissions, Hyguane represents a critical step towards a greener and more sustainable future.