Airbus and Houston Group consider hydrogen hub at Bush Airport

Houston, May 21, 2024 – Airbus, Houston Airports and the Center for Houston’s Future (CHF) have signed a memorandum of understanding to study the feasibility of a hydrogen hub at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

Airports are at the forefront of the transition to decarbonization of operations across the entire value chain. Airbus’ “Hydrogen Hub at Airports” concept brings together key players in the airport ecosystem to better understand the hydrogen infrastructure needs for future aircraft and develop a progressive approach to decarbonize all infrastructure associated with airports using hydrogen. hydrogen.

In this study, the partners will work together to rethink how their infrastructure could be designed and operated to reduce their overall environmental footprint and accommodate future hydrogen-powered aircraft such as those Airbus plans to bring into service in 2035.

The study will focus on identifying opportunities and barriers to hydrogen supply, infrastructure development and use at the airport and the potential to advance new developments. The scope of the study will include end use in aviation, ground transportation at airports, airport heating and potentially supply to adjacent customers in the transport sector and local industries.

Using hydrogen to power future aircraft is not only expected to help eliminate aircraft CO2 emissions in the air, but could also help decarbonize air transport operations on the ground. This particular study reflects the ambition of the partners to use their respective expertise to support the decarbonization of the aeronautical industry:

• Airbus: Airbus is a pioneer in sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The company constantly innovates to offer efficient and technologically advanced solutions in the aerospace field. Airbus is currently developing the first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft with the ambition of entering service in 2035 and is promoting the concept of H2 hubs at the airport.
• Houston Airports: The city provides a safe and vibrant air service network that promotes the economic vitality of the transportation sector and facilitates a high level of global connectivity for a diverse and growing population living in the greater Houston area. The Houston airport system constitutes one of the largest public airport systems in North America and positions Houston as the international passenger and cargo gateway to the south-central United States and the principal gateway for entry into Latin America.
• Houston Center for the Future: The Center is leading a broad effort to create a clean hydrogen ecosystem across the value chain in the Houston region and Gulf Coast. The Center was a founding organizer of the HyVelocity Hydrogen Hub, selected by the U.S. Department of Energy as one of seven hydrogen hubs nationally.

“For hydrogen to reach its full potential, the entire airport ecosystem – including airport authorities, energy providers and regulators – must come together and collaborate,” said Karine Guenan, vice -president of the Airbus ZEROe ecosystem. “This joint study will help us better understand what hydrogen infrastructure would be needed at Houston Airport to support hydrogen and low-carbon aviation in the future. What we learn here can also support knowledge in the whole world.”

“Houston’s airports are experiencing tremendous growth, connecting our city to the world like never before,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for the City of Houston. “As we continue to expand and modernize our facilities, participation in this sustainability study is crucial. Continuing to build a sustainable airport system will ensure a healthy future for Houston, attract top talent and businesses, and demonstrate our commitment to being a responsible global citizen. This study will provide us with valuable information to guide our development and position Houston as a global leader in sustainable aviation innovation for generations to come.

“The Center for Houston’s Future is pleased to have played a critical role in bringing together partners for this study. With Houston’s role as the world’s energy capital, our record of energy innovation and our drive to lead the low-carbon energy sector, Houston is the ideal location to expand our airports into as North American pioneers in clean hydrogen,” said Brett Perlman, CEO and President of the Center.

The study in Houston is expected to be completed at the end of March 2025.