Plug, Airbus, Delta, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Study Feasibility of Hydrogen Hub at World’s Busiest Airport

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.”