Airbus has inaugurated the ZEROe Development Centre (ZEDC) for hydrogen technologies at its Stade site in Germany.
This development center is poised to become a hub for advancing composite hydrogen-system technologies, focusing on the storage and distribution of cryogenic liquid hydrogen.
Airbus, a longstanding pioneer in composite technologies in Germany, has set its sights on the innovative development of cost-competitive lightweight hydrogen systems, including cryogenic hydrogen tanks made from composites. The scope of technology development encompasses every aspect, from elementary parts and assembly to manufacturing-related testing of liquid hydrogen (LH2) composite tanks. The collaboration is not limited to Stade, as tank development will be synchronized with other Airbus national entities.
The ZEDC in Stade aims to benefit from the broader composite research and development ecosystem, including the Airbus subsidiary Composite Technology Center (CTC GmbH) and CFK NORD in Stade, while fostering synergies from space and maritime activities.
The ZEDC in Stade is not just a singular endeavor; it is supported by public fundings, including LuFo and Lower Saxony funding. Furthermore, it will be closely linked to the planned Innovation and Technology Center Hydrogen (ITZ) in Northern Germany, aiming to unlock the full potential of hydrogen technology and contribute significantly to the decarbonization of the aviation industry.
Part of a broader network of development centers for aerospace decarbonization technologies, the ZEDC in Stade complements other Airbus activities in Bremen (Germany), Nantes (France), Madrid (Spain), and Filton (UK). The collective goal is to realize a hydrogen-powered aircraft taking flight by 2035.
Airbus’s investment in the ZEDC signals a pivotal moment in the pursuit of sustainable aviation. By concentrating on hydrogen technologies and composite advancements, Airbus positions itself at the forefront of the race to decarbonize the aerospace industry. The center’s strategic location in Germany, a hub for technological innovation, underscores Airbus’s dedication to propelling the aviation industry into a cleaner and greener future.
