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The aerospace multinational signed a memorandum of understanding with Avinor, SAS, Swedavia and Vattenfall yesterday (31 January) to investigate feasibility of hydrogen infrastructure at airports.
“This cooperation will provide better understanding of hydrogen aircraft concepts and operations, supply, infrastructures and refuelling needs at airports, in order to help develop this hydrogen aviation ecosystem in both countries,” an Airbus announcement said.
“The work will also identify the pathways to select which airports will be transformed first to operate hydrogen-powered aircraft in both countries, as well as the accompanying regulatory framework.”
This is the first time that a feasibility study of this kind covers two countries and more than 50 airports, the announcement added.
“Hydrogen stands out as a key enabler as we pioneer a sustainable aviation future.” said Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury. “Norway and Sweden are among the most demanding regions for aviation and have great potential for hydrogen production from renewable energy sources.
“I am very pleased to enter into this cooperation with partners fully engaged to take significant steps towards decarbonising aerospace. It fits perfectly with our strategy of deploying hydrogen aviation ecosystems in the most suitable parts of the world.”
In 2020, Airbus unveiled its ZEROe hydrogen-powered aircraft concepts, which it hopes could lead to commercial aircraft in service by 2035. A ‘global research and technology network’ is now developing relevant technology for the project, yesterday’s announcement said.
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