Aircraft maker Airbus Group (EPA:AIR) and a number of partners, including Swedish state-owned utility Vattenfall AB, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to study the feasibility of hydrogen infrastructure at airports in Sweden and Norway.
The companies, also including Norwegian airport operator Avinor, Scandinavian airline SAS and Swedish airport operator Swedavia, will conduct a one-year feasibility study covering more than 50 airports across the two countries, it was announced on Wednesday.
The project will help select which airports in both countries will switch to operating hydrogen-powered aircraft as well as the related regulatory framework. The partners aim to use their respective expertise to aid the decarbonisation of the aviation industry.
“We look forward to contribute with expertise in electricity market development, electrical infrastructure, and hydrogen production in Sweden,” said Vattenfall President and CEO Anna Borg.
According to Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury, hydrogen stands out as a key enabler of a sustainable aviation future. “Norway and Sweden are among the most demanding regions for aviation and have great potential for hydrogen production from renewable energy sources,” Faury remarked.
Airbus has the ambition to bring to market the world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft by 2035. It has also launched a programme to kickstart research into infrastructure needs and low-carbon airport operations.
