Collaborative Efforts for Hydrogen Infrastructure at Kansai Airports in Japan
Key Ideas
  • Airbus, Kansai Airports, and Kawasaki sign MOU to study hydrogen infrastructure and supply at three airports in the Kansai region.
  • The partnership aims to introduce and operate hydrogen aircraft, focusing on technology, economics, and operations for a feasible hydrogen supply.
  • Studies show a requirement of up to several hundred tons of liquid hydrogen per day by 2050, reflecting a promising market for hydrogen aviation in Japan.
  • Collaboration between the companies aligns with the Japanese Government's hydrogen-based energy strategy for carbon neutrality by 2050, contributing to decarbonization in the aviation industry.
Airbus, Kansai Airports, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have come together to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the feasibility of hydrogen infrastructure at three airports in the Kansai region of Japan, which include Kansai International Airport, Osaka International Airport, and Kobe Airport. This initiative, part of the 'Hydrogen Hub at Airports' program, will involve an initial feasibility study to introduce and operate hydrogen aircraft and establish a hydrogen supply to the airports. The focus of the collaboration is on defining a hydrogen infrastructure and supply roadmap tailored to the specific characteristics of the aircraft and airports. The study will evaluate technological, economic, legal, and operational aspects, aiming to address challenges through potential demonstration projects and policy recommendations. Airbus has been actively involved in exploring hydrogen usage at airports since 2022, working with Kansai Airports on hydrogen infrastructure development. The partnership has led to an in-depth understanding of hydrogen infrastructures, paving the way for the integrated feasibility study's second phase. The collaboration with Kawasaki has further strengthened the preparation for a hydrogen-fueled ecosystem, leveraging Kawasaki's expertise in cryogenic hydrogen supply networks. The studies conducted suggest a growing demand for liquid hydrogen at the airports, with estimates ranging from a few tons per day initially to potentially several hundred tons per day by 2050. This forecast aligns with a mature hydrogen industry in the Kansai region and reflects a positive outlook for hydrogen aviation market growth. The joint efforts by Airbus, Kansai Airports, and Kawasaki align with Japan's hydrogen-based energy strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The partnership aims to contribute to the decarbonization of airport infrastructure in Japan and introduce hydrogen-powered aircraft by 2035, supporting a vision of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The collaborative approach is seen as a significant step towards addressing carbon emissions in the aviation industry and promoting the use of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier.
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