Exploring Hydrogen Infrastructure for Aviation at Kansai Airports
Key Ideas
  • Airbus, Kansai Airports, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries signed an MoU to study hydrogen infrastructure feasibility at three airports in Japan's Kansai region.
  • The focus is on defining a hydrogen infrastructure roadmap based on aircraft and airport characteristics, with plans for technology, economic, legal, and operational evaluations.
  • The collaboration aims to develop a hydrogen supply network for airport operations, with Airbus forecasting a substantial increase in liquid hydrogen demand by 2050.
  • The partnership aligns with Japan's hydrogen energy strategy, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050, and emphasizes the potential of hydrogen aviation in decarbonizing the industry.
Airbus, Kansai Airports, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have initiated a feasibility study to evaluate the potential of hydrogen infrastructure at three airports in Japan's Kansai region. The study will explore the introduction and operation of hydrogen aircraft as part of the Hydrogen Hub at Airports program. The partnership focuses on defining a hydrogen infrastructure roadmap tailored to the specific characteristics of the airports and aircraft. The collaboration will assess technology, economics, legal aspects, and operational requirements, with plans to address challenges through demonstration projects and policy recommendations. Airbus has previously collaborated with Kansai Airports on hydrogen use in airport infrastructure, showcasing hydrogen technologies like fuel cell buses and forklifts. The partnership has evolved into a second phase of the integrated feasibility study, with a focus on both supply chain and airport operations perspectives. Airbus forecasts a significant increase in liquid hydrogen demand to support aircraft operations, aligning with Japan's hydrogen energy strategy for carbon neutrality by 2050. The partnership signifies a step towards decarbonization in the aviation industry, with a vision to introduce hydrogen-powered aircraft by 2035. Kansai Airports and Kawasaki Heavy Industries are committed to leveraging hydrogen solutions to reduce environmental impact and contribute to the industry's sustainability goals. Kawasaki recognizes the value of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier and views the partnership as essential for achieving decarbonization in aviation. Overall, the collaboration between the three companies reflects a positive sentiment towards hydrogen as a key element in the decarbonization efforts of the aviation sector. The partnership aligns with Japan's national strategy for hydrogen utilization and signifies a significant step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly aviation industry.
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