In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the pressing need to decarbonize the aviation industry, Airbus, in collaboration with academic partners, airport operators, and leading hydrogen-industry companies, has unveiled the GOLIAT (Ground Operations of LIquid hydrogen AircrafT) project. This venture is set to demonstrate small-scale liquid hydrogen aircraft ground operations at three European airports.
With a paramount focus on advancing Europe’s energy independence and mitigating carbon emissions, the project aligns with the burgeoning trend towards hydrogen utilization for mobility and stationary applications. Moreover, hydrogen emerges as a pivotal solution in the quest to decarbonize short- and medium-haul aviation, playing a pivotal role in facilitating low-carbon aviation operations.
Under the auspices of the EU’s Horizon Europe Framework Programme, the GOLIAT project secures a substantial €10.8 million in funding over a four-year period. It is poised to showcase the development and utilization of high-flow liquid hydrogen (LH2) handling and refueling technologies, ensuring safe and reliable airport operations.
Comprising a diverse consortium of 10 partners spanning eight countries, including Airbus, Chart Industries, TU Delft, and Stuttgart Airport, among others, the project aims to spearhead LH2 transportation and energy storage solutions within the aviation industry.
The consortium’s objectives encompass:
Development and demonstration of LH2 refueling technologies scalable for future large commercial aircraft.
Exhibition of small-scale LH2 aircraft ground operations at airports.
Formulation of a standardization and certification framework for future LH2 operations.
Evaluation of hydrogen value chain sizing and economics for airports.
LH2 emerges as a clean and efficient fuel, offering promise in curbing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with airport operations while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. However, the widespread deployment of hydrogen at airports necessitates a comprehensive understanding of operational, regulatory, economic, and safety implications, alongside the assessment of technology capacity and performance.
Key stakeholders within the consortium express their enthusiasm and commitment towards the project:
Karine Guenan, Vice President of ZEROe Ecosystem at Airbus, underscores the pivotal role of hydrogen in the future of short-haul aviation, emphasizing the importance of establishing the operating case for daily LH2 utilization at airports.
Josef Kallo, co-founder and CEO of H2FLY, highlights the organization’s expertise in LH2 operations, drawing from previous endeavors such as the HEAVEN project, and reaffirms their dedication to supporting hydrogen adoption in aviation for sustainable progress.
Jill Evanko, CEO and President of Chart Industries, emphasizes the company’s extensive experience in hydrogen technology, expressing excitement to contribute towards decarbonization efforts in heavy transport through the advancement of LH2 application.
Academic partners from TU Delft and Leibniz University Hannover underscore the significance of research in facilitating the transition to hydrogen-powered aviation, focusing on the development of operational concepts and infrastructure models.
Moreover, airport operators such as Rotterdam The Hague Airport and Stuttgart Airport underscore their commitment to embracing hydrogen aviation initiatives as part of broader sustainability goals, highlighting the transformative potential of hydrogen in aviation.
The utilization of hydrogen in aviation promises a paradigm shift towards sustainable travel, leveraging its high energy density and zero emissions potential. Through concerted efforts and innovative projects like GOLIAT, stakeholders endeavor to realize the vision of a decarbonized aviation ecosystem, underscoring hydrogen’s pivotal role in shaping the future of air travel.
