Aerospace firm Airbus and engine maker MTU Aero Engines have formed a joint venture to develop and commercialise the first hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system for commercial planes. Aviation contributes 2–3% of global greenhouse gas emissions; alongside quick decarbonisation options like electrification and sustainable aviation fuels, hydrogen stands out as a superior long-term zero-carbon solution thanks to carbon-free production potential and high energy density. Airbus rolled out its ZEROe hydrogen aircraft programme in 2020, delayed its 2035 hydrogen aircraft timeline last year due to slow hydrogen infrastructure and tech progress yet confirmed fuel cells as its chosen propulsion route. The joint entity will pool Airbus’s commercial aircraft, liquid hydrogen and fuel cell expertise and MTU’s proven fuel cell, electric motor, engine design, testing, certification and maintenance capabilities to speed up the R&D, testing, certification and market launch of aviation hydrogen fuel cell powertrains, which emit only water vapour with no in-flight CO2 or nitrogen oxides. MTU has already made key breakthroughs in hydrogen propulsion, while both firms state the venture will build European leadership and strategic independence in next-gen aviation technology to deliver Airbus’s long-term zero-emission flight goals.
Source: https://www.esgtoday.com/airbus-partners-with-mtu-to-develop-hydrogen-powered-aircraft-engine/