A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by Airbus, Houston Airports, and the Center for Houston’s Future (CHF) to investigate the viability of establishing a hydrogen hub at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
The movement to decarbonise operations throughout the whole value chain is being led by airports. In order to better understand the hydrogen infrastructure requirements for future aircraft and to establish a step-by-step approach to decarbonising all airport-associated infrastructure using hydrogen, Airbus has developed the “Hydrogen Hub at Airports” concept, which brings together important airport ecosystem participants.
Together, the partners will re-evaluate how their infrastructures should be constructed and operated in this study to lessen their total environmental impact and make space for future hydrogen-powered aircraft, such the ones Airbus intends to start flying in 2035.
In order to potentially improve future advancements, the study will concentrate on identifying opportunities for and challenges against hydrogen supply, infrastructure development, and usage at the airport. The study’s focus will include end-user applications in aviation, airport ground transportation, airport heating, and possibly even the supply to nearby transportation and local industry clients.
Future aircraft powered by hydrogen are predicted to contribute significantly to the reduction of CO2 emissions from aircraft in the atmosphere as well as the decarbonisation of ground-based air transportation.
The partners’ goal is to leverage their individual areas of expertise to help the aviation sector decarbonise, and this particular study represents that goal:
- Airbus: As a leader in sustainable aerospace, Airbus promotes global safety and unity. In order to offer effective and cutting-edge aeronautical solutions, the business continually innovating. With the goal of going into service in 2035, Airbus is now constructing the first commercial aircraft powered by hydrogen and advancing the idea of H2 Hubs at airports.
- Houston Airports: The city offers a vibrant and safe air services network that supports the transportation industry’s economic growth and enables a high degree of global connectivity for the region’s diversified and expanding population. The Houston Airport System, one of the biggest public airport systems in North America, serves as the main entry point to Latin America and the international passenger and freight gateway to the south-central region of the United States.
- Center for Houston’s Future: The Center is spearheading a major effort to establish a clean hydrogen environment throughout the Gulf Coast and in the Houston area. The U.S. Department of Energy chose the HyVelocity Hydrogen Hub, one of seven hydrogen hubs around the country, which the Center helped to organise at the beginning.
“For hydrogen to meet its full potential, the entire airport ecosystem – including airport authorities, energy suppliers and regulatory authorities – needs to come together and collaborate. This joint-study will help us better understand what hydrogen infrastructure would be needed at Houston’s airport to support hydrogen and low carbon aviation in the future. What we learn here can also support knowledge around the world.”
Karine Guenan, Vice President ZEROe Ecosystem at Airbus.
“Houston’s airports are experiencing tremendous growth, connecting our city to the world like never before. As we continue to expand and modernize our facilities, participating in this sustainability study is crucial. Continuing to build a sustainable airport system will ensure a healthy future for Houston, attract top talent and businesses, and demonstrate our commitment to being a responsible global citizen. This study will provide us with valuable insights to guide our development and position Houston as a global leader in sustainable aviation innovation for generations to come.”
Jim Szczesniak, Aviation Director for the City of Houston.
“The Center for Houston’s Future is pleased to have played a crucial role in bringing together the partners for this study. With Houston’s role as the world’s energy capital, our record of energy innovation and desire to lead in the business of low-carbon energy, Houston is the perfect place to develop our airports as North American clean hydrogen pioneers.”
Brett Perlman, CEO and President of Center for Houston’s Future.
The study in Houston is scheduled for completion at the end of March 2025.
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