Hydrogen Fuel Combustion in Energy Systems

Dear Colleagues,

Hydrogen is increasingly recognized as a next-generation energy carrier, offering a clean, versatile, and high-performance alternative to fossil fuels. Its combustion produces only water vapor, eliminating direct carbon emissions and aligning with global decarbonization goals. Unlike conventional fuels, hydrogen possesses the highest gravimetric energy density, enabling transformative applications across aviation, power generation, and heavy transport. Advances in storage, distribution, and high-efficiency combustion technologies are accelerating its integration into both stationary and mobile energy platforms. However, challenges such as low volumetric energy density, material compatibility, and nitrogen oxide (NOx) formation during high-temperature combustion remain critical barriers. Addressing these challenges of hydrogen fuel combustion is essential for positioning it as a pivotal technology for achieving resilient, low-carbon energy systems worldwide.

This Special Issue will present and disseminate the most recent advances related to the fundamentals, design, modelling, applications, control, optimization, and emission mitigation of hydrogen fuel combustion across energy and propulsion systems. Topics of interest include the following:

• Fundamental studies of hydrogen combustion kinetics and flame dynamics;
• Hydrogen combustion in gas turbines, reciprocating engines, and industrial systems;
• NOx formation, suppression, and advanced emission mitigation strategies;
• Hydrogen–air mixing, ignition, and flame stabilization techniques;
• Combustion modelling, CFD simulation, and digital twin approaches;
• Hybrid hydrogen energy systems combining combustion and fuel cells;
• Materials, durability, and compatibility in hydrogen combustion environments;
• Hydrogen storage, delivery, and safety in combustion applications;
• Novel burner, injector, and chamber design for hydrogen fuels;
• Hydrogen combustion in aviation, marine, and heavy-duty transport;
• Thermal management, efficiency optimization, and waste heat recovery;
• Emerging technologies: ammonia/hydrogen blends, synthetic fuels, and co-combustion.

Dr. Rukshan Navaratne
Dr. Mohammad Alnajideen
Guest Editors

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