Airbus and Australian company Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) have entered a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore the use of green hydrogen in the aviation industry.
The MOU was signed on March 7, 2022 at Airbus’ headquarters in Toulouse, France. The MOU will allow the two companies to closely collaborate to implement green hydrogen as a fuel within the aviation industry.
Unlike other forms of hydrogen, green hydrogen is made from water using one hundred percent renewable electricity.
The two companies will look specifically into challenges around green hydrogen regulations, infrastructure, and global supply chains.
Airbus is currently working on a ZEROe project, which aims to develop a zero-emission aircraft by 2035. It has announced plans to use an A380 as a test bed to trial hydrogen propulsion systems.
According to the new MOU, FFI will provide cost outlook and technology drivers on the various elements of the supply chain and will build infrastructure deployment scenarios for the supply of green hydrogen to targeted airports. Airbus will provide information on fleet energy usage, scenarios for hydrogen demand in aviation, refueling specifications and aviation regulatory framework.
“Airbus has identified green hydrogen as the most promising option for decarbonisation to meet our environmental challenges. You heard it here first: We are starting the green aviation revolution,” Airbus vice president of zero emissions aircraft Glen Llewellyn said in a statement.
“The time is now for a green revolution in the aviation industry. This exciting collaboration brings together leaders in the aviation industry with leaders in green energy for a pollution-free future,” FFI founder and chairman Dr. Andrew Forrest AO said.
“We are all citizens of a global world. People want to travel, reunite with family and friends and explore new places without being forced to pollute the planet. The problem isn’t travel, the problem is how we fuel our planes and ships – all of that must turn emissions free. No greenwash, no mirage, just 100 per cent green.
