Alongside Airbus, Delta Air Lines and ATL, Plug launched the preliminary study earlier this year to help define the infrastructure, operational viability, safety and security requirements needed to implement hydrogen as a fuel for aircraft operations.

As part of the study, ATL will provide the airport layout plan and organisation, whilst sharing updates on future developments and findings. The project will be part of Airbus’ “Hydrogen Hub at Airports” programme, which has already signed agreements with partners in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and South Korea, among others.

H2 View understands Plug will provide hydrogen production expertise to the study, as a leading provider of equipment solutions for the sector. The study is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

“The potential to decarbonise aviation with green hydrogen is substantial,” explained Andy Marsh, Plug Power CEO. “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 US.”

Read more: Plug Power kicks off liquid green hydrogen production in Georgia

Airbus’ ZEROe Hydrogen Ecosystem Vice-President, Karine Guénan, added, “The US 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. 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.”