Airbus is paving the way for the future of sustainable aviation with its innovative ZEROe project, aiming to introduce the world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft by 2035. Launched in 2020, the ZEROe initiative explores the potential of hydrogen propulsion to decarbonize air travel and revolutionize the aviation industry much like electric vehicles transformed the automotive sector. After rigorous research testing various propulsion concepts, Airbus selected hydrogen fuel cells as the core technology for its aircraft in 2025. The hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through chemical reactions, emitting only water as a byproduct, making the process nearly carbon-neutral when renewable energy is utilized to produce the hydrogen.
An essential component of the ZEROe project is the electric propulsion system, consisting of four propellers powered by independent fuel cell stacks. To overcome challenges in scaling hydrogen fuel cells for large aircraft while respecting weight and aerodynamics constraints, Airbus partnered with the engineering company ElringKlinger to form the Aerostack joint venture. Their collaborative efforts led to a successful 1.2-megawatt fuel cell demonstrator in 2023, showcasing the feasibility of these systems for large-scale aviation. Additionally, Airbus has been investing in cryogenic storage solutions for liquid hydrogen, which must be stored at an extreme temperature of -253°C. This storage innovation ensures hydrogen can be safely used during flight, pushing the boundaries of current aerospace technology.
Beyond engineering advancements, Airbus is also building a global ecosystem to support hydrogen-powered aviation. Its "Hydrogen Hubs at Airports" program fosters collaboration among airlines, airports, energy providers, and industry players to create a robust infrastructure for hydrogen production, storage, and distribution. With more than 220 airports and numerous other partners already on board, the program aims to accelerate the shift towards sustainable flight. The ZEROe project is not just a step in developing new aircraft—it represents Airbus’ commitment to a cleaner, greener future for aviation, setting a bold benchmark for the industry to follow.
📷: AIRBUS
