Airbus has announced a collaboration with London Gatwick, easyJet and Air Products to strengthen the hydrogen infrastructure. This effort aims to develop and expand hydrogen capacity in the UK, aligning with Airbus’ goal of having a hydrogen-powered aircraft in operation by 2035.
Strengthening the hydrogen infrastructure
Creating the necessary infrastructure is essential to the viability of hydrogen flight, and this partnership represents progress towards this goal in the UK. One of the plans is the Airbus“Hydrogen Hubs at Airports“, which project will encompass the supply and storage of liquid hydrogen at the airport, refueling at the airport, refueling and ground handling for hydrogen aircraft. In addition, other near-term opportunities for hydrogen use at London Gatwick Airport will be explored.
Moreover, the first hydrogen-powered aircraft will be focused on short- and medium-haul routes, London Gatwick’s strategic position as the UK’s main hub for these services, coupled with easyJet’s operational vision as a short-haul airline, makes it an ideal test bed for research and development of critical support infrastructure. This collaboration reinforces the commitment of Airbus, London Gatwick, easyJet and Air Products to make hydrogen flights a reality by 2035.
“Our license to operate will depend on other measures that improve the way we fly. We know that green hydrogen has the adaptability, being an essential fuel source for the decarbonization of the industry. We have set ambitious targets to fly on hydrogen by 2035 and this technology must be backed by a reliable and proven infrastructure.”
Glenn Llewellyn, Vice President of Airbus ZEROe Project
Statements by Airbus partners and the hydrogen project
London Gatwick’s chief executive Stewart Wingate mentioned, “Along with sustainable aviation fuels, hydrogen stands out as having real potential to help us decarbonize scope 3 emissions at the airport, particularly for short-range aircraft, which typically dominate London Gatwick’s operations. At the same time, we have accelerated our plans and aim to reach net zero in the emissions we control (Scope 1 and 2) ten years earlier, in 2030.“
For his part, David Morgan, easyJet’s chief operating officer, highlighted: “Hydrogen is an important part of decarbonization in the aviation sector, so we need to lay the groundwork now to make that happen. The Gatwick plant is another positive aspect and because it reinforces the industry’s intention to adapt to new renewable energies.“
Air Products’ vice president and general manager, Suzanne Lowe, noted, “We are very excited to be part of contributing Air Products’ decades of experience in hydrogen production and distribution to this exciting project. The framework of hydrogen hubs at airports is an important development in paving the way for sustainable aviation and preparing the UK economy for the future. Air Products pledges to help UK become a world leader in low-carbon hydrogen production“
This partnership will complement the ongoing work that easyJet and Airbus are carrying out with Hydrogen South West, an infrastructure ecosystem that aims to bring the benefits of hydrogen to the South West of England. With these initiatives, the companies involved seek to position themselves at the forefront of sustainable aviation and prepare the UK for a net-zero emissions future.
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Source and photo: Airbus
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