Spain to Establish First Aviation Hydrogen Hub with Major Industry Collaboration

Airbus, Aena, Air Nostrum, Iberia, Exolum, and Repsol have partnered to explore the creation of Spain’s first hydrogen airport hub. This unprecedented collaboration aims to address the main challenges in deploying hydrogen-powered aviation within the country.

The six companies will work together to integrate hydrogen across the entire aviation value chain, from primary energy production to ground operations. This comprehensive approach includes the involvement of two airlines and a network of airports, marking a significant step towards the decarbonization of aviation in Spain.

This initiative will provide the partners with a holistic view of hydrogen-powered aircraft and their integration into airport ecosystems. The focus extends beyond hydrogen supply and infrastructure to include the specific requirements for airport ground operations. The ultimate goal is to foster the growth of Spain’s hydrogen aviation ecosystem.

Karine Guenan, Vice President of ZEROe Ecosystem at Airbus, emphasized the importance of decarbonizing aviation, highlighting Spain's potential in renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production. Aena’s sustainability director, Ana Salazar, noted that this collaboration will help establish a roadmap to address the challenges of introducing hydrogen at airports.

Air Nostrum’s Director of Quality and Environment, María José Sanz, explained the airline’s commitment to supporting new technologies aimed at decarbonizing air transport. Similarly, Iberia’s Director of Sustainability, Teresa Parejo, stressed the necessity of collaboration to advance sector decarbonization.

Exolum’s Global Strategy & Innovation Lead, Andrés Suárez, and Repsol’s Senior Manager of New Business, Luis de Oyarzabal, both emphasized their companies' commitment to the energy transition and the potential of renewable hydrogen in mobility.

Airbus's "Hydrogen Hub at Airports" program, which promotes the expansion of hydrogen infrastructure in aviation, has already signed agreements with partners and airports in 13 countries, including Canada, France, and the United States. This new collaboration in Spain marks a significant milestone in the global push towards sustainable aviation.