Japan's Hydrogen Hub at Airports: Airbus Partners for Sustainable Aviation
Key Ideas
  • Airbus partners with Kansai Airports and Kawasaki to explore hydrogen infrastructure at three Japanese airports, aiming to introduce hydrogen-powered aircraft as part of the 'Hydrogen Hub at Airports' program.
  • The collaboration will assess technological, economic, legal, and operational aspects, addressing challenges through potential demonstration projects based on study findings.
  • Airbus forecasts a significant demand for liquified hydrogen at the airports, highlighting the mature hydrogen industry presence in the Kansai region and Japan's supportive policy measures for hydrogen aviation.
  • The partnership signifies a move towards sustainable aviation, with a focus on reducing aircraft emissions and decarbonizing air transport activities on the ground, aligning with global efforts for a greener future.
Airbus, together with Kansai Airports and Kawasaki, has entered into a memorandum of understanding to investigate the establishment of hydrogen infrastructure at Kansai International Airport, Osaka International Airport, and Kobe Airport in Japan. This initiative is part of the 'Hydrogen Hub at Airports' program, intending to evaluate the feasibility of introducing and operating hydrogen-powered aircraft. The study will encompass various aspects such as technology, economics, legal frameworks, and operations to develop a hydrogen infrastructure roadmap for these airport locations. The partnership aims to tackle challenges through potential demonstration projects that may arise from the study. By leveraging the unique characteristics of each airport, Airbus gains valuable insights into different hydrogen supply methods. Kawasaki's expertise in airport infrastructure, including designing liquified hydrogen supply networks, enhances the collaborative effort. Airbus has conducted a liquified hydrogen demand forecast, predicting a substantial initial requirement that could escalate significantly by 2050. The company acknowledges the well-established hydrogen industry in the Kansai region, supported by comprehensive policies, indicating a promising market for hydrogen aviation in Japan. Kansai Airports' executive vice president highlighted the partnership's role in advancing hydrogen solutions in the airport sector and contributing to aviation decarbonization. This initiative builds on prior cooperation between Airbus and Kansai Airports, which involved deploying hydrogen-powered vehicles. The partnership reflects a joint commitment to realizing sustainable aviation practices and aligns with global objectives for a more environmentally friendly air transport sector.
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