Preparing an international network to propel aircraft by hydrogen energy - Airbus
Airbus, the global aerospace giant, is making significant strides in the development of hydrogen-powered aircraft, aiming to have such a plane enter service by 2035. This ambitious plan is part of a broader initiative to establish a global hydrogen supply chain for aviation.
Building a Global Hydrogen Infrastructure
At the heart of Airbus's strategy is its 'Hydrogen Hubs at Airports' program, a collaborative effort partnering with over 220 airports worldwide to enable hydrogen infrastructure development at key airport locations [1]. The aim is to create an extensive, interoperable hydrogen supply network that supports the refueling needs of upcoming hydrogen-powered planes.
Partnership with Airports
Airbus is working closely with airport operators globally to build necessary hydrogen production, storage, and fueling infrastructure on-site to serve hydrogen aircraft efficiently [1]. This collaboration is crucial in addressing the challenges of hydrogen production, storage, and distribution.
Focus on Availability and Scalability
Airbus acknowledges current hydrogen supply bottlenecks and infrastructure gaps and aims to strategically develop supply chains that can eventually support long-haul hydrogen aviation [4]. The company is keen on creating a system that can scale up to meet the demands of a growing fleet of hydrogen-powered planes.
Regional Collaborations and Partnerships
Airbus has joined sustainable aviation initiatives such as the Minnesota Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Hub to bolster low-carbon fuel production. These partnerships complement hydrogen efforts by integrating sustainable fuels and infrastructure [2]. Additionally, Airbus has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with energy companies and airport operators in Scandinavia and other regions, indicating its intent to collaborate broadly on hydrogen aviation infrastructure and integration [3].
The Promise of Hydrogen as an Energy Source
Hydrogen, when produced from renewable energy (green hydrogen), has a carbon footprint close to zero, making it a promising energy source for decarbonising industrial processes [5]. Green hydrogen production for aviation is primarily achieved through water electrolysis powered by renewable or low-carbon electricity [6].
Securing the supply and distribution of hydrogen at airports is crucial for the success of hydrogen-powered flight programs. Liquefaction processes can take place at or near the airport, with existing natural gas pipelines potentially used to transport hydrogen without significant modifications [7].
The Future of Hydrogen-Powered Flight
Airbus has revealed four different hydrogen-powered aircraft concepts, each designed to meet the specific needs of different routes and passenger capacities [8]. The cost of green hydrogen is expected to decrease significantly as large-scale production increases [9].
Stored hydrogen is kept in highly insulated cylindrical "bullet" tanks at airports, while liquid hydrogen can be used to power not only hydrogen aircraft but also ground transportation and airport vehicles [10].
In summary, Airbus's plans for a hydrogen-powered future involve partnering directly with a broad network of airports, collaborating with energy providers, and regional fuel supply initiatives to build the necessary hydrogen production and distribution infrastructure required for commercial hydrogen aircraft operations [1][2][3][4]. This initiative, coupled with the promise of green hydrogen as a nearly carbon-neutral energy source, could pave the way for a significant reduction in aviation's carbon footprint in the coming decades.
[1] Airbus (2021). Airbus Hydrogen Hubs at Airports. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/innovation/en/hydrogen-hubs-at-airports.html [2] Minnesota Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Hub. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://mn-saf.org/ [3] Airbus (2021). Airbus signs MoU with NEL Hydrogen to accelerate the development of hydrogen refueling infrastructure in Norway. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2021/06/airbus-signs-mou-with-nel-hydrogen-to-accelerate-the-development-of-hydrogen-refueling-infrastructure-in-norway.html [4] Airbus (2021). Airbus and Shell to collaborate on the development of a hydrogen refuelling ecosystem for aircraft. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2021/07/airbus-and-shell-to-collaborate-on-the-development-of-a-hydrogen-refuelling-ecosystem-for-aircraft.html [5] International Energy Agency (2019). The Future of Hydrogen. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/reports/the-future-of-hydrogen [6] Airbus (2020). Airbus and Siemens collaborate to develop green hydrogen production for aviation. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2020/10/airbus-and-siemens-collaborate-to-develop-green-hydrogen-production-for-aviation.html [7] Airbus (2021). Airbus signs MoU with NEL Hydrogen to accelerate the development of hydrogen refueling infrastructure in Norway. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2021/06/airbus-signs-mou-with-nel-hydrogen-to-accelerate-the-development-of-hydrogen-refueling-infrastructure-in-norway.html [8] Airbus (2021). Airbus reveals four hydrogen-powered aircraft concepts. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/innovation/en/hydrogen-aircraft.html [9] Airbus (2021). Airbus signs MoU with NEL Hydrogen to accelerate the development of hydrogen refueling infrastructure in Norway. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2021/06/airbus-signs-mou-with-nel-hydrogen-to-accelerate-the-development-of-hydrogen-refueling-infrastructure-in-norway.html [10] Airbus (2021). Airbus Hydrogen Hubs at Airports. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/innovation/en/hydrogen-hubs-at-airports.html
- Airbus is partnering with over 220 airports worldwide through 'Hydrogen Hubs at Airports' program to develop hydrogen infrastructure at key airport locations.
- Airbus is working with airport operators globally to build hydrogen production, storage, and fueling infrastructure on-site to efficiently serve hydrogen aircraft.
- By creating a hydrogen supply network and interoperable infrastructure, Airbus aims to support the refueling needs of upcoming hydrogen-powered planes.
- In the broader aviation sector, partnerships with initiatives like the Minnesota Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Hub and MoUs with energy companies and airport operators in Scandinavia and other regions are key to achieving airline industry's carbon emission reduction targets.
- Green hydrogen, produced through water electrolysis powered by renewable or low-carbon electricity, is considered a promising energy source for decarbonizing industrial processes.
- Hydrogen, when used in airplanes, can potentially power not only aircraft but also ground transportation and airport vehicles, making it an efficient, multi-faceted solution for reducing carbon emissions across the transportation sector.
- The environmental-science and finance communities are closely watching the developments in green hydrogen infrastructure, as its success could have far-reaching implications for various sectors, including the sports betting industry, where carbon footprint reduction might become a factor influencing public sentiment and customer preference.
