Airbus is putting the brakes on its zero-emission hydrogen-powered aircraft project, on account of technical challenges and slower adoption of the technology, The Wall Street Journal reported.
The company, which previously targeted to launch the aircraft by 2035, spent more than $1.7B on the project, sources told WSJ. Airbus has since cut the project's budget by a quarter and reallocated staff, pushing its timeline by as much as a decade.
Project challenges include reconfiguring engines to run on a different fuel, storing hydrogen in liquid form at -423°F, and requiring a new supply chain for the fuel. Airbus has been exploring using fuel cells, but the additional weight and limited electricity generation would lead to fewer seats and a narrower range for the aircraft.
The company said delaying the project would give it more time to fine-tune the technology. "Our destination is not changing," said Bruno Fichefeux, its head of future programs. "To get there, we need to adjust to reality."
In an earnings call in February, Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said pushing the project's timeline would provide time to further develop the performance of fuel cell propulsion and liquid hydrogen system technologies.
Many companies have been scaling back their green initiatives, and broader enthusiasm for hydrogen is fading. Oil giant BP, which is pivoting back to fossil fuels, and Finland's Neste recently pulled plans for new hydrogen plants.
Subscribe to the newsletter
Daily decarbonization data and news delivered to your inbox
Follow the money flow of climate, technology, and energy investments to uncover new opportunities and jobs.
Companies
Latest issues
-
EPA's Bold Move: Cutting Import Credits to Boost U.S. Biofuel Output
Inside This Issue 🌽 EPA's Bold Move: Cutting Import Credits to Boost U.S. Biofuel Output 🔬 Enertopia Announces Oxyhydrogen Mobile Lab in Operation 💰 Emissions Tech Venture Secures UK Grant for Sou...
-
Two Corporate Giants Just Backed “Air Mining”
Inside This Issue 🏦 Corporate Giants Signal DAC Market Is Ready for Prime Time ⚗️ Thyssenkrupp Nucera Abandons US Green Hydrogen Projects No Longer Deemed Feasible - CEO 🏭 Mission Zero Opens Third...
-
Freight’s Big Bet: Hydrogen’s Turning Point?
Inside This Issue 🚢 Freight Giants Drive Hydrogen's Market Reality ⚡ SunHydrogen Achieves Live Demonstration of Commercial-Size Hydrogen Module 📢 MAX Power Partners with Caram Media and TMI Digita...
Company Announcements
-
Mobile, modular bioreactors convert wood waste and cattle manure into power-plus carbon-negative products and saleable carbon credits. SPOKANE, WA / August 14, 2025 / bioEnergy Development Inc. (O...
-
Emissions Tech Venture Secures UK Grant for Southampton Pilot
The port emissions capture project at Southampton is backed by UK funding under CMDC. STAX Engineering and Seabound will deliver PortZero at Associated British Ports’ Southampton under a UK Clean ...
-
Acquisition positions Conestoga at the leading edge of carbon-negative cellulosic biofuel production technology that can solve energy needs across multiple industries, including Sustainable Aviatio...
-
HOUSTON—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Transition Industries LLC, a developer of world-scale, net-zero carbon emissions methanol and green hydrogen projects, signed a Heads of Agreement contract with Bonatti, an ...