Airbus, Delta, Plug Power and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport study the feasibility of a hydrogen hub at the world’s busiest airport

Atlanta, May 21, 2024 – Airbus, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Delta Air Lines and Plug Power have joined forces to study the feasibility of a hydrogen-based hub at the world’s busiest airport to to promote a more sustainable future of travel. The study, which was preliminarily launched earlier this year, will help define the infrastructure, operational viability and safety and security requirements needed to implement hydrogen as a fuel source for future aeronautical operations at ATL. It will also contribute to understanding the supply and infrastructure requirements for hydrogen hubs at airports around the world.

Using hydrogen to power future aircraft could ultimately eliminate aircraft CO2 emissions from the air while decarbonizing air transport operations on the ground – a top priority for all partners as they work to the decarbonization of the aeronautical industry.

Airbus is a pioneer in sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The company constantly innovates to offer efficient and technologically advanced solutions in the aerospace field. Airbus is currently developing the first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft with the ambition of entering service in 2035. Airbus has launched the “Hydrogen Hub at Airports” program to jump-start research into infrastructure needs and low-cost airport operations. carbon emissions across the entire value chain. To date, agreements have been signed with partners and airports in thirteen countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“The United States has easy and massive access to additional renewable energy to produce green hydrogen, and airports are seeking a diverse and balanced energy mix to be more resilient and help reduce the impact of aviation on the environment. Hydrogen is a key factor in this,” said Karine Guénan, Vice President of Airbus ZEROe Ecosystem. “The journey to prepare airport infrastructure to support hydrogen and low-carbon aviation begins on the ground with pre-feasibility studies like this, working with pioneering players like Delta, Plug and the busiest airport in the world. »

“Hartsfield-Jackson has long been a leader in the commercial aviation industry, and it makes perfect sense for us to help lead this effort,” said Michael Smith, ATL deputy chief executive officer. “If hydrogen proves to be a viable alternative, ATL will explore options to update infrastructure requirements to implement the new technology. We are excited to participate in this study and look forward to the results.

As part of the study, ATL is providing the current airport plan and organization and will share updates on future developments and findings.

Plug Power is a leading provider of end-to-end turnkey equipment and solutions for the global green hydrogen economy. The company is building an end-to-end green hydrogen ecosystem, including the manufacturing of electrolyzers, fuel cells and hydrogen facilities across the United States, to decarbonize a variety of needs and industrial, transportation and energy applications worldwide.

“The potential for decarbonizing aviation with green hydrogen is substantial,” noted Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug. “We are pleased to bring our expertise in hydrogen infrastructure development and applications to this pioneering effort at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. We have a ready-to-use supply of green hydrogen to support the airport from our new production facility in Woodbine, Georgia, the largest green hydrogen plant in the United States. »

Delta is the largest airline operating out of the world’s busiest airport and offers one of the world’s largest commercial airline schedules. Delta is a long-standing key partner in the Airbus ZEROe program since 2022, when it committed to providing expertise to identify fleet and network expectations, as well as operational and infrastructure requirements necessary for the development of hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft. Amelia Deluca, Delta’s chief sustainability officer, said this study is part of Delta’s ongoing commitment and that no single company can solve the industry’s sustainability challenges.

“All stakeholders in aviation today must explore new avenues in all directions for the industry to achieve a more sustainable travel future by 2050,” she said. “As we work to adapt sustainable aviation fuel to power today’s planes, hydrogen is the key to unlocking the decarbonized future of flight and the next generation of aviation. That’s why we’re embarking on this journey to help chart the plans for the hydrogen industry with partners who share our passion for connecting the world.

The study in Atlanta is expected to be completed at the end of 2026.

Further information on the topic of hydrogen in aviation can be found below. link.

@Airbus @Delta @ATLairport @PlugPowerInc #hydrogen #ZEROe #sustainability

Artist rendering of a hydrogen-powered ZEROe aircraft at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.