ZEROe: Airbus propels the fuel cell into the air
Mrs Gradert, with the ZEROe project, Airbus has sent a clear signal for the hydrogen driven future of aviation. How would you describe the status quo - are we still at the start or already well on the road technologically?
We are definitely in the middle of the journey towards a hydrogen-powered aircraft - the first technological steps began five years ago. The ZEROe project was launched in 2020 to investigate the feasibility of two primary hydrogen drive technologies: Hydrogen combustion and hydrogen fuel cells.
During this year's Summit in March, we published an update on the technology roadmap. Our concept for a hydrogen aircraft envisages the use of four electric 2-megawatt engines. Each of these engines is supplied with energy by its own fuel cell system, which converts hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy.
Your concept is based on fuel cell electric drives with liquid hydrogen. What were the decisive criteria for this drive architecture - and what are the greatest development challenges that still lie ahead?
That's right, four fuel cell systems would be supplied with liquid hydrogen via two liquid hydrogen tanks. H2 does not emit CO2 (it is CO2 neutral if produced from renewable energy) and has the potential to reduce non-CO2 emissions (e.g. Nox) and long-lasting contrails. Over the past five years, the ZEROe team analysed several hydrogen drive concepts before deciding on this all-electric concept. We are confident that it can provide the necessary output for a hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft. One of the technical challenges here, for example, is the storage of liquid hydrogen under cryogenic conditions. Over the next few years, we will be focussing on the further development of hydrogen storage and distribution as well as drive systems. We will then test all components as an integrated overall system.
Infrastructure is a major issue: Tank logistics, safety requirements, standards. Realistically speaking, how far along are we here - and how is Airbus participating in the development of this ecosystem?
Hydrogen has the potential to be a transformative energy source for aviation. However, we recognise that the development of a hydrogen ecosystem - including infrastructure, production, distribution and regulatory frameworks - is a major challenge that requires global collaboration and investment. So far, the hydrogen ecosystem in aviation has developed more slowly than we originally anticipated. The “Airbus Hydrogen Hubs at Airports” programme aims to promote the expansion of the global hydrogen ecosystem to ensure that it can support hydrogen-powered flights. With this initiative, Airbus is bringing together airlines, airports, industry players, energy suppliers and technology experts to clarify the most important issues surrounding the production, storage and distribution of hydrogen. More than 220 airports are currently partners in the programme, as well as numerous energy suppliers and airlines.
To what extent does the availability of green hydrogen play a role in your plans - and what do you expect from politicians to resolve the chicken-and-egg dilemma?
The hydrogen ecosystem continues to face major challenges and is developing more slowly than expected. We have responded to these delays in the availability and price development of green hydrogen and, as communicated at the beginning of the year, have adjusted our plans for the industrialisation of ZEROe, Airbus' hydrogen-powered aircraft. The expansion of the hydrogen economy requires financial incentives and a reliable legal framework. To promote the hydrogen economy, we expect policy-makers to de-risk and promote the production of H2 for aviation, for example through the H2Global mechanism, EU Contracts for Difference (CfD) and tax credits, which could be funded by revenues from the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.
At the Airbus Summit 2025, you mentioned that all-electric hydrogen aircraft are primarily designed for short and medium-haul flights. Why is this the case - and what is the role you see for hydrogen in the long term compared to SAFs (Sustainable Aviation Fuels)?
We have set ourselves the goal of launching an economically viable hydrogen aircraft on the market. According to our analyses, an aircraft with a range of 1,000 Nm is the option that best supports our targets for reducing emissions in the sector and is also economically viable.
SAF can already be used today with existing infrastructure and the existing aircraft fleet (our aircraft are currently certified for up to 50% SAF admixture) and will make a greater contribution to aviation's net-zero target by 2050 than a hydrogen aircraft. Hydrogen and SAF also complement each other: Sustainably produced hydrogen, for example, is an important component of many production processes for synthetic fuels. Ultimately, it will take all the building blocks to reach the net-zero target: Efficiency improvements, SAF, new drive technologies (e.g. H2 using fuel cells) and offsetting.
What is your vision for Europe's role in the global race for zero-emission aviation – and how can the hydrogen community help make projects like ZEROe a reality?
Europe provides a unique innovation ecosystem. At the same time, we have ambitious climate targets in Europe, to which aviation must also make its contribution. Airbus, as a company rooted in Europe, is proud to work with our partners to drive the decarbonisation of aviation. This can only succeed if the entire hydrogen community works in one direction. With the Hydrogen Hubs, Airbus is promoting the development of the ecosystem, but is also calling for political measures to accelerate the expansion. Beyond Europe, the global hydrogen community is needed to contribute to the sustainable hydrogen ecosystem.
There will also be a session on hydrogen mobility at the hy-fcell Conference - what do you expect from such a forum and what are you particularly looking forward to?
The energy and drive transition is merging sectors, and such forums are good opportunities to accelerate the exchange between different industries. It is important to bring together experts and decision-makers from the various partners to discuss insights into technologies and research results. Hydrogen-powered flight will become an important pillar of overall hydrogen mobility and provide impetus for the aviation of the future.
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