Airbus, Kansai Airports, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Collaborate on Hydrogen Infrastructure at Japanese Airports
Key Ideas
  • Airbus, Kansai Airports, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have signed an agreement to explore the feasibility of hydrogen infrastructure at Japanese airports like Kansai International, Osaka International, and Kobe Airport.
  • The collaboration aims to study the introduction and operation of hydrogen-powered aircraft as part of the 'Hydrogen Hub at Airports' program, focusing on defining roadmap, technology assessment, and policy recommendations.
  • Airbus and Kansai Airports have been working on integrating hydrogen into airport infrastructure since 2022, with Kansai already using hydrogen-powered buses and forklifts, while Airbus has partnered with Kawasaki for hydrogen supply systems.
  • The partnership aligns with Japan's hydrogen-based energy strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with projections for liquid hydrogen demand at airports starting from several tons per day and potentially reaching hundreds of tons by 2050.
Airbus, Kansai Airports, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have entered into an agreement to explore the feasibility of hydrogen infrastructure at three major Japanese airports: Kansai International Airport, Osaka International Airport, and Kobe Airport. This partnership aims to assess the introduction and operation of hydrogen-powered aircraft as part of the 'Hydrogen Hub at Airports' program. The collaboration will focus on defining a roadmap for hydrogen infrastructure and supply needs at each airport, considering specific operational requirements. The study will evaluate technology, economic factors, regulatory compatibility, and operational impact, with the expectation of demonstration projects and policy recommendations as next steps. Airbus and Kansai Airports have already been working since 2022 on incorporating hydrogen into airport infrastructure, with Kansai Airports showcasing the use of hydrogen-powered buses and forklifts. Additionally, Airbus has joined forces with Kawasaki, known for its development of end-to-end hydrogen supply systems, including cryogenic hydrogen networks. The partnership is a significant step towards the decarbonization of the aviation industry, especially in reducing CO2 emissions. Airbus projects a growing demand for liquid hydrogen at these airports, starting with several tons per day and potentially increasing to hundreds of tons by 2050. The initiative aligns with Japan's commitment to a hydrogen-based energy strategy for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The Japanese Government has specific plans for hydrogen development, from production to consumption. The partnership under the 'Hydrogen Hub at Airports' program is expected to facilitate the introduction of hydrogen-powered aircraft by 2035, contributing to a more sustainable aviation sector.
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