Plug, Airbus, Delta, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Study Feasibility of Hydrogen Hub at World’s Busiest Airport
On May 21, 2024, Plug, Airbus, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), and Delta Air Lines announced a study to assess the feasibility of a hydrogen hub at ATL. The study aims to define the infrastructure, operational, and safety requirements for hydrogen fuel use in future aircraft operations. Plug, a leader in hydrogen solutions, contributes its expertise and a supply of green hydrogen from its Woodbine, Georgia plant. Airbus is developing the first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft, expected to enter service by 2035. Delta, a core partner in Airbus' ZEROe program since 2022, will provide expertise on fleet and network needs. The study seeks to support the decarbonization of the aviation industry and will conclude at the end of 2026.
- Plug contributes extensive expertise in hydrogen production and infrastructure.
- Plug's new Woodbine, Georgia plant is the largest green hydrogen plant in the U.S.
- Airbus is developing the first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft aimed for 2035.
- Delta has been a core partner in Airbus' ZEROe program since 2022.
- Study aims to significantly decarbonize aviation industry.
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) leads in commercial aviation industry initiatives.
- Study results will not be available until the end of 2026, indicating a long timeline.
- No immediate financial benefits or impacts highlighted in the press release.
- Uncertainty around the viability of hydrogen as a fuel source for mass aviation use.
Insights
The collaboration between Plug Power, Airbus, Delta Air Lines and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to explore a hydrogen hub has noteworthy implications for the aviation sector. Hydrogen-powered aviation represents a significant leap forward in reducing carbon emissions. If successful, this initiative could set a precedent for airports globally, establishing hydrogen as a mainstay in aviation fuels.
An immediate advantage is the alignment of this project with global sustainability goals and regulatory pressures to lower emissions. For instance, the European Union’s commitment to the Green Deal and other international agreements put pressure on industries to innovate towards zero-emission technologies. Hydrogen, given its clean-burning nature, could be a key enabler in achieving those targets.
However, there are challenges to consider. The cost of hydrogen production, particularly green hydrogen (produced via renewable energy sources), remains high. Infrastructure development will require substantial investment, potentially running into
For retail investors, it's essential to understand that while the potential for impact is high, the realization of these benefits is long-term. The study is set to conclude in 2026 and commercial implementation would follow thereafter. This means any financial gains from this initiative would not be immediate but could potentially be significant in the long run.
From a sustainability perspective, this initiative could be transformative. The aviation industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to hydrogen could eliminate CO2 emissions from aircraft. Additionally, using hydrogen for ground operations can further reduce the carbon footprint of airports.
One key point is the scalability of hydrogen as an energy source. Green hydrogen production relies on renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which are abundant but require expansive infrastructure. The feasibility study will likely address these logistical elements, including the supply chain robustness and the capacity to meet aviation fuel demands without compromising other industrial requirements.
A challenge here is the safety and security of hydrogen storage and transportation. Hydrogen is highly flammable and its storage and handling require specific technological solutions and regulatory approvals. Ensuring these safety measures might result in additional costs and extended timelines.
For investors, this means closely monitoring advancements in hydrogen technology and partnerships with renewable energy providers. Companies like Plug Power, which are at the forefront of hydrogen infrastructure, could see substantial growth if these sustainability goals align with global regulatory frameworks and market readiness.
Plug contributes deep expertise in hydrogen production and infrastructure as well as aviation sector applications
LATHAM, N.Y., May 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG), a global leader in comprehensive hydrogen solutions for the green hydrogen economy, Airbus, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), and Delta Air Lines have joined forces to study the feasibility of a hydrogen-based hub at the world’s busiest airport in support of advancing a more sustainable future of travel.
The study, which was preliminarily launched earlier this year, will help define the infrastructure, operational viability, and safety and security requirements needed to implement hydrogen as a fuel source for future aircraft operations at ATL. It will also contribute to the understanding of hydrogen supply and infrastructure requirements at airports around the world.
The use of hydrogen to power future aircraft could ultimately eliminate aircraft CO2 emissions in the air, while also decarbonizing air transport activities on the ground. This study reflects the partners’ ambition to use their respective expertise to support the decarbonization of the aviation industry.
Plug is a leading provider of equipment and end-to-end, turnkey solutions for the global green hydrogen economy. The company is building an end-to-end green hydrogen ecosystem including the manufacture of electrolyzers, fuel cells and hydrogen facilities across the United States to decarbonize a variety of industrial, transportation and energy needs and applications worldwide.
“The potential to decarbonize aviation with green hydrogen is substantial,” noted Plug CEO Andy Marsh. “We are pleased to contribute our expertise in hydrogen infrastructure and applications development to this pioneering effort at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. We have a ready-made supply of green hydrogen to support the airport from our new Woodbine, Georgia, production plant, the largest green hydrogen plant in the U.S.”
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 Hydrogen Hubs at Airports concept.
“The U.S. has easy and massive access to additional renewable energies to produce green hydrogen, and airports are looking for a diverse and balanced energy mix to help reduce the impact of aviation on the environment. Hydrogen is a key enabler for this,” said Karine Guénan, Airbus’ Vice President ZEROe Hydrogen Ecosystem. “The journey to prepare airport infrastructure to support hydrogen and low carbon aviation begins on the ground with studies like this one, working with pioneer players like Delta, Plug and the world’s busiest airport.”
“Hartsfield-Jackson has long been a leader in the commercial aviation industry and it only makes sense that we help lead this effort,” said ATL Senior Deputy General Manager Michael Smith. “If hydrogen proves to be a viable alternative, ATL will investigate options to update infrastructure needs in order to implement the new technology. We are thrilled to participate in this study and look forward to the results.”
As part of the study, ATL is providing the current airport layout plan and organization and will share updates on future developments and findings.
Delta is the largest airline operating at the world’s busiest airport and offers one of the largest commercial airline schedules globally. Delta has been a long-standing core partner in the Airbus ZEROe program since 2022 when it signed on to provide expertise to identify fleet and network expectations, and the operational and infrastructure requirements needed to develop commercial aircraft powered by hydrogen fuel. Delta’s Chief Sustainability Officer Amelia Deluca said this study is part of Delta’s ongoing commitment and that no one company can solve the industry’s sustainability challenges alone.
“All aviation stakeholders need to explore new paths in every direction today if the industry is going to reach a more sustainable future of travel by 2050,” she said. “While we work to scale sustainable aviation fuel to power today’s aircraft, hydrogen is the key to unlocking the decarbonized future of flight and the next generation of aviation. That’s why we are excited to be part of this journey to help map the industry’s hydrogen blueprints with partners who share our passion for connecting the world.”
Airbus launched the “Hydrogen Hub at Airports” program to jumpstart research into infrastructure requirements and low-carbon airport operations across the entire value chain. To date, agreements have been signed with partners and airports in ten countries including France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
The study in Atlanta is scheduled for completion at the end of 2026.
About Plug
Plug is building an end-to-end green hydrogen ecosystem, from production, storage, and delivery to energy generation, to help its customers meet their business goals and decarbonize the economy. In creating the first commercially viable market for hydrogen fuel cell technology, the company has deployed more than 69,000 fuel cell systems and over 250 fueling stations, more than anyone else in the world, and is the largest buyer of liquid hydrogen.
With plans to operate a green hydrogen highway across North America and Europe, Plug built a state-of-the-art Gigafactory to produce electrolyzers and fuel cells and is developing multiple green hydrogen production plants targeting commercial operation by year-end 2028. Plug delivers its green hydrogen solutions directly to its customers and through joint venture partners into multiple environments, including material handling, e-mobility, power generation, and industrial applications.
For more information, visit www.plugpower.com.
Plug Power Safe Harbor Statement
This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve significant risks and uncertainties about Plug Power Inc. (“Plug”), including but not limited to statements about: the feasibility study of a hydrogen-based hub at Atlanta International Airport (ATL), including the timing of completion; whether such study will help define the infrastructure, operational viability, and safety and security requirements needed to implement hydrogen as a fuel source for future aircraft operations at ATL; whether such study will contribute to the understanding of hydrogen supply and infrastructure requirements at airports around the world; whether the use of hydrogen to power future aircraft will eliminate aircraft CO2 emissions in the air and decarbonize air transport activities on the ground; and Plug’s expectation that its hydrogen supply from its new Georgia production plant can support ATL, Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in these statements. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Plug in general, see Plug’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the “Risk Factors” section of Plug’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, Plug’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 and any subsequent filings with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and Plug undertakes no obligation to update such statements as a result of new information.
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