Houston organizations launch study to explore hydrogen travel

A few major players have joined forces to seek to make air travel more sustainable – and it’s all happening in Houston.

The Center for Houston’s Future, Airbus and Houston Airports have signed a memorandum of understanding to study the “feasibility of a hydrogen hub at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.” The study, which concludes in March 2025, will include participants collaborating to rethink how their infrastructure could be designed and operated to reduce their overall environmental footprint and result in hydrogen-powered aircraft like those that Airbus plans to materialize by 2035.

In 2020, Airbus launched its ZEROe hydrogen aircraft project. Airbus’ Hydrogen Hub at Airports concept brings together key players in the airport ecosystem to develop ways to decarbonize all infrastructure associated with airports using hydrogen. The study will look at ground transportation at airports, airport heating, end use in aviation and possibly ways to supply adjacent customers in transportation and local industries.

Using hydrogen to power future aircraft aims to help eliminate CO2 emissions from aircraft into the air and can also help decarbonize air transport on the ground. With Houston being a very large city and a destination for many business visitors, Houston airports were an easy location to assign the study to.

“Houston’s airports are experiencing tremendous growth, connecting our city to the world like never before,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for the City of Houston, in a press release. “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 information to guide our development and position Houston as a global leader in sustainable aviation innovation for generations to come.”

CHF was a founding organizer of the HyVelocity Hydrogen Hub, which was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy as one of seven hydrogen hubs nationwide, and will operate in the Houston area and on the coast of the Gulf. The HyVelocity Hydrogen Hub is eligible to receive up to $1.2 billion under a Bipartisan Infrastructure Act funding to advance domestic hydrogen production.

“The Center for Houston’s Future is pleased to have played a critical role in bringing together partners for this study,” added Brett Perlman, CEO and immediate past president of the center. “With Houston’s role as the energy capital of the world, our track record of energy innovation and our drive to lead in the low-carbon energy sector, Houston is the ideal location for develop our airports as North American pioneers in clean hydrogen.