Fostering Macroeconomic Research on Hydrogen-Powered Aviation: A Systematic Literature Review on General Equilibrium Models

Tobias Mueller () and Steven Gronau
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Tobias Mueller: Institute for Environmental Economics and World Trade, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Königsworther Platz 1, 30167 Hannover, Germany
Steven Gronau: Institute for Environmental Economics and World Trade, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Königsworther Platz 1, 30167 Hannover, Germany

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 3, 1-33

Abstract: Hydrogen is a promising fuel to decarbonize aviation, but macroeconomic studies are currently missing. Computable general equilibrium (CGE) models are suitable to conduct macroeconomic analyses and are frequently employed in hydrogen and aviation research. The main objective of this paper is to investigate existing CGE studies related to (a) hydrogen and (b) aviation to derive a macroeconomic research agenda for hydrogen-powered aviation. Therefore, the well-established method of systematic literature review is conducted. First, we provide an overview of 18 hydrogen-related and 27 aviation-related CGE studies and analyze the literature with respect to appropriate categories. Second, we highlight key insights and identify research gaps for both the hydrogen- and aviation-related CGE literature. Our findings comprise, inter alia, hydrogen’s current lack of cost competitiveness and the macroeconomic relevance of air transportation. Research gaps include, among others, a stronger focus on sustainable hydrogen and a more holistic perspective on the air transportation system. Third, we derive implications for macroeconomic research on hydrogen-powered aviation, including (I) the consideration of existing modeling approaches, (II) the utilization of interdisciplinary data and scenarios, (III) geographical suitability, (IV) the application of diverse policy tools and (V) a holistic perspective. Our work contributes a meaningful foundation for macroeconomic studies on hydrogen-powered aviation. Moreover, we recommend policymakers to address the macroeconomic perspectives of hydrogen use in air transportation.

Keywords: hydrogen; air transportation; sustainable aviation; macroeconomics; computable general equilibrium model; systematic literature review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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