Airbus and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (Kawasaki) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the hydrogen-fueled ecosystem’s readiness. The scope of the project will cover many components of the hydrogen supply chain, from hydrogen manufacturing to distribution to airports and onboard aircraft.
Stéphane Ginoux, Head of Airbus North Asia and President of Airbus Japan, and Motohiko Nishimura, Executive Officer and Deputy General Manager of Kawasaki’s Hydrogen Strategy Division, signed the MoU at a ceremony in Tokyo.
Airbus and Kawasaki will collaborate on a roadmap to overcome obstacles and create a strategy for advocating for hydrogen aviation requirements as part of this collaboration. Both parties will also lead the way in developing a hydrogen infrastructure for aviation, with an emphasis on the establishment of Airport Hydrogen Hubs.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Kawasaki, Japan’s foremost hydrogen provider. “Obviously, this alliance will expedite and promote the Japanese government’s efforts to create a carbon-neutral, decarbonized society from total aircraft operations by 2050,” Stéphane Ginoux said. “We are certain that the use of hydrogen, both in synthetic fuels and as a principal power source for commercial aircraft, has the potential to cut aviation’s climate impact dramatically.”
“When used as a sustainable fuel, hydrogen is a clean energy that generates no CO2,” explained Motohiko Nishikura. “We’ve specialized in the creation of infrastructure for liquefaction, transportation, storage, and transit to receiving ports, helping to the growth and extension of hydrogen supply chains.” We are convinced that our technology will link the hydrogen production and consuming locations, forming a new highway known as the Hydrogen Road.”
Each partner will use their complementary skills to assist outline the potential benefits of hydrogen and boost the aviation industry’s decarbonization. For ground operations, Airbus will give aircraft characteristics, fleet energy use, and information on hydrogen-powered aircraft. Kawasaki will provide technological drivers for various supply chain aspects while also developing infrastructure deployment scenarios for the supply of selected airports.
