Sustainable Aviation: Preparing Airports for Hydrogen

Hydrogen-powered aviation has the potential to revolutionize the industry and achieve zero-emission flights, but its success hinges on the development of robust hydrogen infrastructure and supply systems at airports, requiring collaboration among airlines, airports, energy providers, and regulatory bodies.

For over 150 years, the aviation industry has actively explored hydrogen-powered aircraft technologies as part of its mission to achieve zero-emission flights. However, realizing this vision requires more than advancements in hydrogen-powered aircraft technology; it also necessitates robust infrastructure and reliable hydrogen supply systems at airports.

After all, the success of hydrogen-powered aviation depends on the seamless availability of this energy source.

Hydrogen Hubs at Airports

Airports are complex ecosystems, powered by extensive energy networks and supported by interconnected systems and stakeholders. From terminal operations and baggage handling systems to air traffic control equipment and climate control systems, these operations rely heavily on energy.

Furthermore, the vehicles used for passenger transport, ground handling, and maintenance also contribute significantly to airports' overall energy consumption [1].

Traditionally reliant on fossil fuels, these systems and vehicles significantly impact emissions. Hydrogen offers a promising solution to reduce emissions while meeting the high energy demands of airports.

Industry leaders such as Airbus are addressing these challenges by collaborating with organizations like VINCI Airports and 液空 to explore hydrogen infrastructure and supply systems at airports [3] paving the way to hydrogen-powered aviation.

Key actors of the hydrogen ecosystem include airlines, airports, energy providers, and regulatory bodies [1]. Their collective involvement ensures the coordination needed to address the technical, logistical, and regulatory requirements of implementing hydrogen solutions

One notable initiative under Airbus' Hydrogen Hubs at Airports framework is the London Gatwick Hydrogen Hub, part of the VINCI Airports network. This project is focuses on [4]:

• Liquid hydrogen supply and storage
• Refuelling infrastructure for hydrogen-powered aircraft
• Ground handling processes for hydrogen aircraft
• Shorter-term applications of hydrogen to enhance airport operations

These partnerships underscore the aviation sector’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

The figure below illustrates Airbus's Hydrogen Hubs at Airports network [4].

With continued collaboration among key stakeholders—airlines, airports, technology developers, and policymakers—hydrogen has the potential to revolutionize aviation.

It could play a pivotal role in achieving global net-zero goals, setting the stage for a more sustainable future in air travel.

Reference

1. https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/stories/2024-09-developing-a-global-ecosystem-to-support-hydrogen-powered-flight
2. https://mediarenditions.airbus.com/b8cuXJ_A3TelXCBs3JrphvJhm6tAqfJCErD9EUNPKC8/resize?src=kpkp://airbus/38/658/658136-75swls8smj.jpg&w=1440&h=1440&t=fit&f=webp
3. https://www.vinci.com/en/actions-and-missions/our-missions/imagining-sustainable-mobility/airports-hubs#:~:text=In%20the%20longer%20term%2C%20VINCI,aircraft%20running%20on%20liquid%20hydrogen.
4. https://www.mediacentre.gatwickairport.com/bac-a-sable-wiz/news/london-gatwick-hydrogen-hub-an-important-first-step-toward-possible-zero-carbon-flights-131a-40f32.html#:~:text=Airbus%20launched%20the%20'Hydrogen%20Hub%20at%20Airports',into%20infrastructure%20requirements%20and%20low%2Dcarbon%20airport%20operations.