The aeronautics industry is actively seeking solutions to reduce its CO2 emissions. Plug Power, Airbus, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Delta Air Lines have joined forces to explore the viability of a hydrogen hub at Atlanta airport. This initiative, launched earlier this year, aims to define the infrastructure, operational feasibility and safety requirements for usinghydrogen as a fuel source for the aircraft of the future.
A Vision for the Future of Aviation
The partnership aims to revolutionize aviation by using hydrogen to power aircraft, eliminating in-flight CO2 emissions and reducing the carbon footprint of ground operations. Plug Power CEO Andy Marsh emphasizes the considerable potential of green hydrogen to decarbonize aviation, and says he’s ready to support Atlanta Airport with green hydrogen produced by their new plant in Woodbine, Georgia.
Key players and their roles
Airbus is developing the first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft, with the aim of putting it into service by 2035. Karine Guénan, Vice President ZEROe Hydrogen Ecosystem at Airbus, points out that airports, thanks to their access to renewable energies, are ideal partners for promoting a diversified and balanced energy mix. Michael Smith, Deputy General Manager of Atlanta Airport, affirms the airport’s commitment to exploring the infrastructure needed to integrate hydrogen. Delta Air Lines, Atlanta’s largest airline, has been an active participant in the Airbus ZEROe program since 2022. Amelia Deluca, Head of Sustainability at Delta, stresses the importance of collaboration between aviation stakeholders to achieve a more sustainable travel future by 2050.
Global and local outlook
The Airbus “Hydrogen Hub at Airports” initiative is already up and running in ten countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden and the UK. This study in Atlanta, scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, is part of a global drive to establish low-carbon airport operations.
Plug Power’s commitment
Plug Power, is working to create a green hydrogen ecosystem, from production to storage and distribution, to decarbonize various industrial and transport sectors. Their strategy includes the operation of a green hydrogen production plant in Georgia, and the development of multiple production plants by 2028, to meet the growing needs of the green economy. The feasibility study for a hydrogen hub at Atlanta airport represents a crucial step in the decarbonization of aviation. By bringing together industry leaders such as Plug Power, Airbus, Hartsfield-Jackson and Delta Air Lines, this initiative aims to establish sustainable infrastructures and promote clean aviation.
