Airbus sets up hydrogen tech development centre in UK

European aerospace and defence group Airbus (EPA:AIR) is creating a development centre for hydrogen technologies in the UK that will focus on development of a cost-competitive cryogenic fuel system needed to launch its zero-emission passenger aircraft by 2035.

The Zero Emission Development Centre (ZEDC) will be based in Filton, Bristol. Technology development has already started, with works to range from components to whole system and cryogenic testing.

“Establishing the ZEDC in the UK expands Airbus’ in-house industrial capabilities to design, develop, test and manufacture cryogenic hydrogen storage tanks and related systems for the ZEROe project across Airbus’ four home countries,” said Airbus chief technical officer Sabine Klauke. The group is working on cryogenic liquid hydrogen tanks at its existing ZEDCs in Spain, Germany and France. The first fully functional cryogenic hydrogen tank is expected to be ready for ground testing during 2023, with flight testing seen to begin in 2026.

The new centre will also boost Airbus’ existing research and technology footprint in the UK. It follows the recent announcement that the UK government is committing GBP 685 million (USD 861m/EUR 805.2m) of funding to the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) over the next three years to advance the development of zero-carbon and ultra-low-emission aircraft technologies.

(GBP 1 = USD 1.257/EUR 1.175)

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