Plug joins Airbus, Delta for hydrogen study at busiest US airport

Plug Power Inc (NASDAQ:PLUG) today announced its participation in a group of air transport sector players studying the feasibility of establishing a hydrogen-based hub at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta, Georgia.

The company, which is actively working on creating an end-to-end green hydrogen ecosystem, has teamed up with European aircraft manufacturer Airbus SE (EPA:AIR) and US carrier Delta Air Lines Inc (NYSE:DAL) to “help map the industry’s hydrogen blueprints.”

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Launched earlier this year, the study will help define the infrastructure, operational viability, and safety and security requirements for the adoption of hydrogen as a fuel source for future aircraft operations at ATL. It is planned to be completed at the end of 2026.

For this study, ATL has provided the current airport layout plan and organisation and has committed to sharing updates on future developments and findings. “If hydrogen proves to be a viable alternative, ATL will investigate options to update infrastructure needs in order to implement the new technology,” said ATL Senior Deputy General Manager Michael Smith.

Plug’s CEO Andy Marsh considers the potential to decarbonise aviation with green hydrogen to be substantial. He noted that the company’s new green hydrogen production plant in Woodbine, Georgia, is ready to support the airport.

Meanwhile, Airbus is developing the first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft and hopes to have it enter into service in 2035.

“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,” said Karine Guenan, Airbus’ Vice President ZEROe Hydrogen Ecosystem.