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).
In this study, the partners will work together to rethink how their infrastructures could be designed and operated to reduce their overall environmental footprint and welcome future hydrogen-powered aircraft such as those Airbus plans to bring to the air in 2035.
The study will focus on identifying opportunities for and barriers to hydrogen supply, infrastructure development, and usage at the airport and to potentially advance further developments. The scope of the study will include end-use in aviation, airport ground transportation, airport heating, and potentially supply to adjacent customers in transport and local industries.
The use of 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 activities on the ground. This particular study reflects the partners’ ambition to use their respective expertise to support the decarbonization of the aviation industry:
- Airbus: Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace. Airbus is currently developing the first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft with the ambition to enter into service in 2035 and promoting the H2 Hubs at airport concept.
- Houston Airports: The city provides a safe and dynamic air services network that fosters economic vitality for the transportation industry and facilitates a strong level of global connectivity for a diverse and growing population living throughout the greater Houston region. The Houston Airport System forms one of North America's largest public airport systems and positions Houston as the international passenger and cargo gateway to the south-central United States and a primary gateway to Latin America.
- Center for Houston’s Future: The Center is leading a broad-based effort to create a clean hydrogen ecosystem across the value chain in the Houston region and across the 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.
The study in Houston is scheduled for completion at the end of March 2025.
