Airbus and Kawasaki partner for hydrogen-powered ecosystem in Japan

Airbus and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (Kawasaki) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of a hydrogen-powered ecosystem. The scope will encompass many components of the hydrogen supply chain, from hydrogen manufacturing through distribution to airports and on-board aircraft.

The MOU was signed in Tokyo by Stéphane Ginoux, Head of North Asia Region for Airbus and President of Airbus Japan, and Motohiko Nishimura, Executive Officer and Deputy General Manager of Kawasaki's Hydrogen Strategy Division.

Airbus and Kawasaki will collaborate on this endeavour to develop a roadmap to overcome problems and create an advocacy plan for hydrogen aviation requirements. Both parties will also be in the forefront of the implementation of a hydrogen infrastructure for aviation, with a special emphasis on the creation of Airport Hydrogen Hubs.

"We are very pleased to work with Japan's leading hydrogen supplier Kawasaki. This partnership will obviously accelerate and promote efforts by the Japanese government to achieve a carbon-neutral, decarbonised society from overall aircraft operations in 2050," said Stéphane Ginoux. "We strongly believe that the use of hydrogen - both in synthetic fuels and as a primary power source for commercial aircraft - has the potential to significantly reduce aviation's climate impact."

Airbus will supply aircraft characteristics, fleet energy use, and information on hydrogen-powered aircraft for ground operations. Kawasaki will give technical drivers on different components of the supply chain while developing infrastructure deployment scenarios for the supply of selected airports.

"Hydrogen is a clean energy that emits no CO2 when used and is suitable as sustainable fuel," said Motohiko Nishikura. "We have specialised in the development of infrastructure for liquefaction, transportation, storage and transport to receiving terminals, contributing to the construction and expansion of supply chains for the hydrogen market. We are confident that our technology will connect the hydrogen production and consumption areas, creating a new road called Hydrogen Road."

Each partner will use their respective knowledge to help outline the potential prospects that hydrogen presents and to enhance the aviation industry's decarbonization.