Cities of Hamburg and Rotterdam plotting hydrogen transportation infrastructure

Hamburg and Rotterdam, two European cities known for their aviation research, have joined forces to drive forward climate-neutral airport operations and sustainable aviation. The collaboration, spearheaded by Hamburg Aviation and Rotterdam The Hague Innovation Airport, involves a consortium of actors from business, science, and politics working together on innovative solutions for the aviation of tomorrow.

At the heart of this collaboration is Hamburg Airport's climate protection program, Net Zero 2035. The program aims to reduce the airport's fossil CO2 emissions to zero within twelve years. The consortium is also researching hydrogen flight routes and developing suitable infrastructure for hydrogen flights, with the first hydrogen flight between Hamburg and Rotterdam planned for 2026.

The consortium is not just focused on the Hamburg-Rotterdam route. They are also working on a partnership with airports in New Zealand as part of the Net Zero initiative. The collaboration involves a wide range of companies and institutions, but the specific participants are not yet publicly identified.

As part of the German-Dutch collaboration, smart and digital technologies for airports and aviation will also be further developed. The consortium is also exploring the potential for commercial hydrogen flights between Hamburg and Rotterdam in the future. Both cities are centres of aviation research in the field of hydrogen.

Hamburg Airport has experienced a reduction in losses and is investing in CO2 reduction efforts. Wilma van Dijk, Managing Director of Rotterdam The Hague Airport, has expressed the intention to make the airport more sustainable and contribute to sustainable aviation. The two airports also plan to produce renewable energy independently and build the necessary infrastructure.

This collaboration is a significant step towards a more sustainable future for aviation. With the first hydrogen flight scheduled for 2026, it's an exciting time for those who believe in the potential of cleaner, greener aviation. For more information, visit the consortium's website at hamburg-aviation.de.