Airbus is collaborating on a consortium to lead green hydrogen aviation in New Zealand

The New Zealand Hydrogen Aviation Consortium, a consortium of six international companies including Airbus, Air New Zealand, Christchurch Airport, Fortescue, Hiringa Energy and Fabrum, is calling for the lead in green hydrogen aviation in this country.

Established in February 2023, The consortium spent the past six months analyzing the hydrogen supply chain, Assess projected hydrogen needs in the local aviation market and examine what is required to establish a successful aviation hydrogen ecosystem in New Zealand. In addition, the consortium has developed recommendations for regulations and incentives needed to transition to a greener hydrogen aircraft system.

Thus, according to a recently published report entitled ‘Launching Green Hydrogen Aviation in Aotearoa New Zealand’, the capacity Reduction of carbon emissions by up to 900,000 tonnes per year by 2050 By using hydrogen powered aircraft. These aircraft will be used on New Zealand’s domestic routes.

Airbus, for its part, is working on developing the world’s first hydrogen aircraft for commercial use. Karine Guenan, vice president of Airbus zee Ecosystem, addresses that New Zealand is uniquely positioned to lead the testing and deployment of low-carbon aircraft.

“The country’s abundant renewable electricity and water resources are key advantages, while the size and length of routes used here match the capabilities of hydrogen-powered aircraft. This report describes the ecosystem needed to make this happen. It is a first step and Airbus is committed to using our experience to collaborate with the governmentIwi (Māori communities), businesses and other stakeholders need to do that,” Kwanan insists.

Christchurch-based Fabrum is already working on hydrogen aviation projects overseas. Christopher Boyle, president and co-founder of Fabrum, highlights that green hydrogen is a key component in the future of clean aviation. «Our team co-developed the world’s first electric aircraft engine for Magnix and developed superconducting electric motors and rotors for SAFFRAN and Airbus. We are currently manufacturing green hydrogen systems for airports and internal liquid hydrogen tanks for low emission aircraft. “The opportunity to use our expertise to ensure green hydrogen aviation takes off in New Zealand is exciting,” says Boyle.

Air New Zealand Chief Sustainability Officer Gerry Hannifin highlighted that the report provides information that will be used to develop a plan for hydrogen-powered aviation in New Zealand. «Air New Zealand is committed to decarbonising its operations. An airplane powered by green hydrogen is one of the possible components we can achieve. “This report provides key evidence points for both the aviation industry and decision makers to work together to do this,” Hannifin underlines.

The report shows that for a green hydrogen flight to take off in New Zealand, it will need:

– Scaling up new generation renewable energy generation in New Zealand to support green hydrogen production.

– Improving transmission and distribution capacity to bring renewable electricity where it is needed.

– Establish policies and regulations to create and support a green hydrogen ecosystem.

– Developing a series of new systems and processes to ensure the safe production, distribution and use of green hydrogen.

– Make production and distribution of green hydrogen more profitable to ensure its commercial viability.

Consortium modeling shows that New Zealand could use 100,000 tonnes of green hydrogen a year For hydrogen flights by 2050, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch airports would require most aircraft to be fueled.

Nick Flock, General Director of Future Planning and Sustainability Christchurch Airport says it will need 6,700 gigawatt hours of renewable energy To make that green hydrogen. “This equates to up to 16% of New Zealand’s current total electricity supply. This demand presents an opportunity for companies. We have now committed to developing a hydrogen hub as part of our 400 hectare renewable energy complex, Kauai Park. Other airports around the world are doing the same,” Flack says.

Amy Barrett, head of Fortescue Global Aviation, said the report indicated that while establishing green hydrogen aircraft in New Zealand was a challenge, it was a practical and feasible solution. “Aviation, like our own iron ore operations, is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize. Hard to decarbonize doesn’t mean it’s impossible; it takes a lot of effort and a long-term commitment. It also takes collaboration, and that’s what we’re doing here, and we need to work together to find better solutions.” We know that,” highlights Barrett.

For his part, Andrew Glennett, CEO of Hiringa Energy, highlighted the report. Have physical and regulatory infrastructure Low emission aircraft should be allowed to be tested and operated in New Zealand. “Green hydrogen is critical to the decarbonisation of New Zealand’s domestic aviation network, so it made perfect sense for Hringa to join the consortium. By sharing our first-hand technical, operational and commercial experience, we hope to accelerate New Zealand’s thriving green hydrogen landscape and drive the transition to clean aviation,” concludes Glennett.

This report marks a significant step forward in New Zealand’s efforts to lead And the transition towards fixed flight And reduces your carbon footprint. With the right support and collaboration between businesses, government and other stakeholders, the country can become a global leader in the adoption of green hydrogen technologies in aviation.