Rolls-Royce, Airbus, EasyJet launch hydrogen partnership
- September 6, 2023
- Posted by: Quatro Strategies
- Categories: Aerospace & Defense, ESG & Renewable Energy, Europe
Airbus, easyJet, and Rolls-Royce have formed an alliance called “Hydrogen in Aviation (HIA)” aimed at positioning the UK as a leader in hydrogen-powered aviation. The alliance intends to ensure that infrastructure, policy, regulatory, and safety frameworks are in place for the introduction of hydrogen-powered aircraft.
Airbus is planning to introduce a hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft by 2035, and easyJet’s CEO, Johan Lundgren, expressed hopes that his company could become the first customer for such an aircraft. This alliance comes as the aviation industry grapples with the challenge of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Hydrogen flight is among several technologies being explored to decarbonize aviation, but it faces various challenges, including securing a reliable supply of hydrogen produced from renewable energy, redesigning aircraft to accommodate large and heavy hydrogen tanks, and developing new infrastructure at airports.
The HIA alliance, which also includes British parts-maker GKN Aerospace and Denmark-based green energy firm Orsted, plans to work closely with the government and aviation regulators to create the necessary frameworks for hydrogen-powered aviation. They aim to produce a report before the end of 2023 outlining the milestones needed over the next decade to make hydrogen-based flight a reality.
Interested in learning more?
Sign up for Top Insights Today
Top Insights Today delivers the latest insights straight to your inbox.
You will get daily industry insights on
Oil & Gas, Rare Earths & Commodities, Mining & Metals, EVs & Battery Technology, ESG & Renewable Energy, AI & Semiconductors, Aerospace & Defense, Sanctions & Regulation, Business & Politics.
Read more insights
Trump’s trade war triggers oil industry downturn, sparking output cuts
Despite President Donald Trump’s vow on his first day in office to supercharge American oil and gas production, the U.S. energy sector is now facing an unexpected reversal. Crude prices have collapsed, drilling activity is slowing, and companies are bracing for layoffs—all under the weight of a global supply glut and tariff-induced uncertainty.
Trump, who declared a national energy emergency and urged a “drill, baby, drill” approach to energy independence, had aimed to remove obstacles to domestic production. But within weeks of his inauguration, oil markets were in turmoil. Crude prices tumbled from $78 to near $55 per barrel, pressured by Trump’s sweeping new tariffs and OPEC+’s decision to ramp up supply. Many U.S. firms now say they can’t break even below $65 a barrel, leaving them no choice but to consider scaling back drilling and slashing jobs.
Shanghai Futures Exchange considers nickel futures to rival London Metal Exchange
The Shanghai Futures Exchange (ShFE) is exploring the possibility of introducing nickel futures for international use, potentially challenging the London Metal Exchange’s (LME) contract.
Germany imported 75% more vehicles and parts from China in the first half of 2023
In the first half of the year, Germany witnessed a substantial surge of 75% in imports of Chinese vehicles and parts, underlining the escalating pressure on the country, known as Europe’s major auto production hub.
