Airbus has decided to abandon its hydrogen propulsion concept for the ZEROe airliner project and instead pursue a fuel cell technology approach. According to Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury, the company believes that the present technology is not commercially viable due to limitations in engine size and power.
The main reason behind this decision is that the current energy density of hydrogen per unit volume is lower than kerosene, making it less efficient. To overcome this challenge, the fuel cell technology must achieve higher thermal efficiency, which requires more energetic power units. This has led Airbus to focus on developing a fuel cell project instead.
Airbus plans to continue its technological development in fuel cells for another 10 years, aiming to produce a viable aircraft using fuel cells by 2040. The company believes that this approach will be easier and more efficient than producing green hydrogen at scale, which requires significant investments in renewable energy sources and infrastructure.
This decision marks an interesting twist in the ongoing struggle between hydrogen propulsion and fuel cell technology for air transport. As one of the major players in the industry, Airbus’s choice has significant implications for the future of sustainable aviation.
Source: https://leehamnews.com/2025/02/21/bjorns-corner-air-transports-route-to-2050-part-10