Plug Power Inc. is partnering with Airbus, Delta Air Lines, and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to study the feasibility of a hydrogen-based hub at the airport to support advancing a more sustainable travel future.
“All aviation stakeholders need to explore new paths in every direction today if the industry is going to reach a more sustainable future of travel by 2050,” said Amelia Deluca, Delta's Chief Sustainability Officer. “While we work to scale sustainable aviation fuel to power today’s aircraft, hydrogen is the key to unlocking the decarbonized future of flight and the next generation of aviation.”
The study, which was preliminarily launched in early 2024, will help define the infrastructure, operational viability, and safety and security requirements needed to implement hydrogen as a fuel source for aircraft operations at ATL. In addition, the partners will use the study to advance the understanding of hydrogen supply and infrastructure requirements for other airports around the globe.
Using hydrogen to power aircraft could ultimately eliminate aviation carbon dioxide emissions in the air while simultaneously decarbonizing air transport support activities on the ground.
“The US has easy and massive access to additional renewable energies to produce green hydrogen, and airports are looking for a diverse and balanced energy mix to help reduce the impact of aviation on the environment. Hydrogen is a key enabler for this,” said Karine Guénan, Airbus’ Vice President. “The journey to prepare airport infrastructure to support hydrogen and low-carbon aviation begins on the ground with studies like this one."
To support the study, each of the partners is also individually undertaking projects to help ready their business for the transition to a hydrogen economy.
For instance, Plug Power is building an end-to-end green hydrogen ecosystem that includes the manufacturing of electrolyzers, fuel cells, and hydrogen facilities across the US to decarbonize a range of industrial, transportation, and energy needs and applications globally.
At Airbus, the company is focused on creating technologically advanced aerospace solutions. It is currently developing its first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft, which it hopes will be ready to enter service by 2035.
As one of the largest airlines operating at ATL, Delta is working to provide expertise to identify fleet and network expectations and the operational and infrastructure requirements needed to develop hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft. Delta will work in tandem with Airbus during their efforts to develop such an aircraft.
