As part of the new agreement, EKPO will supply fuel cells over the next two years, to be utilised as part of developing hydrogen fuel cell stacks optimised for the aviation industry.

Read more: EKPO to supply fuel cell stacks for urban hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
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EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies: A new generation is dawning in the mobility world

This presents an opportunity to decarbonise the aviation sector further and could also increase demand for hydrogen and fuel cells across the industry.

The stacks will be based on the NM12 platform and will be integrated into the customer’s further development programme aiming to harness fuel cell power for aircraft.

Julien Etienne, Chief Commercial Officer of EKPO, said, “This order and the entire partnership with Aerostack demonstrate not only the wide range of applications of fuel cells, but also the technological leadership of EKPO.

“As the logical next step in our cooperation with Aerostack, we will provide stack components, prototypes and industrial development services to optimise the performance of Aerostack’s first stack generation.

“Through this project, EKPO will further expand its unique know-how in key components, such as the bipolar plates and sealing technology. In return, this innovation will flow into our next generation of stacks, allowing us to bring even more attractive and performant products to market in the future.”

A seismic shift for aviation: Airbus sets its sights on hydrogen powering the future of aircraft

Representing approximately 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the aviation industry is in need of a disruptive change to its ‘business as usual’ if it is to meet its net zero objectives by 2050. One energy carrier emerging as a game-changing contender in the transformation of the sector is hydrogen, and Airbus is ready to be the catalyst for change.

With a 50-year track record of innovation, technological firsts and industry milestones, the designer and manufacturer of aerospace products, services and solutions to a customer base worldwide has indeed been ‘making it fly’ since the 1960s. In 1972, Airbus’ first aircraft, and the world’s first wide-body twin-aisle commercial aircraft, the A300B, performed its maiden flight, which at the time signalled the first steps towards changing the face of modern aviation. And Airbus is once again set to transform flight.

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