Hydrogen giant Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) has partnered up with aviation giant Airbus to decarbonize the aviation industry by implementing green hydrogen as a fuel in the aviation industry.
The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Airbus’ headquarters in Toulouse, France.
According to the official announcement, the global aviation industry produces over 2.5% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Now, the two companies have taken on the challenge to tackle this problem.
Focus for both will be understanding what the challenges might be in terms of hydrogen regulations, infrastructure and global supply chains.
Specifically, FFI will be in charge of providing cost outlook and technology drivers on the various elements of the supply chain. The company will also build infrastructure deployment scenarios for the supply of green hydrogen to targeted airports.
Airbus on the other hand, will provide characteristics on fleet energy usage, scenarios for hydrogen demand in aviation, refuelling specifications and aviation regulatory framework.
According to FFI founder and Chairman, Dr Andrew Forrest, Australia is just one example of how climate change impacts our lives, stressing the need to explore and turn to green energy as soon as possible.
“We are all citizens of a global world. People want to travel, reunite with family and friends and explore new places without being forced to pollute the planet. The problem isn’t travel, the problem is how we fuel our planes and ships – all of that must turn emissions free. No greenwash, no mirage, just 100 per cent green,” Dr Forrest said.
“I ask those remaining institutions who continue to invest in fossil fuels, to think of their kids. In particular, those so-called entrepreneurs who are supporting fossil fuel assets, please consider your children’s future over your profits.”
According to Airbus Vice President of Zero Emissions Aircraft Glenn Llewellyn, “the future of air travel is green”.
“Airbus has identified green hydrogen as the most promising option for decarbonisation to meet our environmental challenges. You heard it here first: We are starting the green aviation revolution,” Mr Llewellyn said.
