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The partnership between Airbus and Toshiba could redefine the future of aviation with a superconducting engine that is ten times lighter, uses hydrogen at -253°C and delivers 2 MW of power, bringing the industry closer to the goal of zero emissions by 2050.
As the aviation industry seeks to drastically reduce its emissions and achieve the goal of net zero emissions of CO₂ to 2050, new technological solutions emerge as promising alternatives.
In this scenario, Airbus and Toshiba decided to join forces to test a superconducting engine that promises to revolutionize air propulsion: compact, extremely lightweight and with a power of 2 megawatts, it represents a technological leap for hydrogen-powered aircraft.
The prototype developed by Toshiba It weighs ten times less than conventional engines with the same power, a fundamental characteristic for the aeronautical sector, where every kilo saved has a direct impact on performance and efficiency.
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The combination of lightness, high power, and energy efficiency makes this innovation a central piece in the global effort to decarbonize aviation.
A strategic partnership towards 2050
Airbus, the world's largest aircraft manufacturer, identified the potential of this technology early on and began investing in solutions based on hydrogen.
After presenting the first prototype of the superconducting engine in 2022, the company entered into a strategic collaboration with Toshiba in 2024 to further research and enable its application in commercial aircraft.
This alliance aims to accelerate the transition to a new era of clean flight, in which electric engines powered by hydrogen fuel cells gradually replace traditional turbines. The partnership also reinforces the importance of jointly developing disruptive technologies as a key element in achieving ambitious climate goals.
Superconducting engines: designed for hydrogen
The official announcement of the partnership took place at the 2024 Japan International Aerospace Exhibition and marked a concrete step forward in the integration of technologies that, until recently, seemed distant from the aeronautical sector.
The key lies in the compatibility between the cryogenic conditions required for superconductivity and the requirements of hydrogen storage.
According to Fumitoshi Mizutani, project leader at Toshiba, the developed motor offers unprecedented performance, reducing weight by up to 90% compared to traditional equipment.
In addition to energy efficiency, another crucial difference is the use of hydrogen itself as part of the cooling system.
To remain in a liquid state, hydrogen needs to be stored at -253°C — the ideal temperature to keep the engine in superconducting mode, eliminating electrical resistance and maximizing performance.
This synergy creates a double advantage: the fuel also acts as a coolant, simplifying the aircraft's architecture and reducing operating costs.
A solution to fly further and with less impact
The application of superconducting engines represents a significant change in flight range and efficiency. Until now, electric aircraft faced range limitations due to the low energy density of their batteries.
The use of hydrogen, combined with the high power density of the superconducting engine, can extend the range to regional and even intercontinental routes—all with zero direct emissions.
Challenges still exist, especially in creating the infrastructure necessary for the production, transportation, and storage of green hydrogen generated from renewable sources. However, public policies and strategic initiatives are already underway.
The REPowerEU Plan, for example, foresees the production of 10 million tons of renewable hydrogen by 2030, while standards such as Fit for 55 encourage the advancement of sustainable aviation projects.
Far beyond aviation: maritime, rail and space transport
The technology developed by Toshiba extends beyond aviation. According to Kyohei Shibata of the company's New Business Department, the project is the result of more than fifty years of superconductivity research and is ready to scale across various sectors.
Merchant ships, responsible for around 3% of global CO₂ emissions, could be equipped with superconducting engines powered by green hydrogen or ammonia, drastically reducing their carbon footprint.
In rail transport, technology also opens up new possibilities: hydrogen-powered trains are already in operation in countries like Germany and Japan, and the adoption of superconducting engines could extend the range of these trains without the need to electrify large stretches of track.
Even space vehicles could benefit from the combination of high power and low weight, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable missions.
Transformative potential and combating climate change
The widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered superconducting engines represents more than a technological breakthrough—it's a concrete tool in the fight against global climate change. The technology offers multiple benefits:
- It drastically reduces CO₂ emissions from the aviation sector, one of the most difficult to decarbonize.
- Optimizes hydrogen use by integrating combustion, cooling and propulsion into a single system.
- Accelerates the energy transition in strategic sectors such as maritime and rail transport.
- Promotes more sustainable supply chains, based on advanced materials and low-environmental-impact processes.
- It encourages the development of the infrastructure needed to use hydrogen on a global scale.
A new chapter in the history of transportation
The joint project between Airbus and Toshiba symbolizes a new chapter in the quest for sustainable mobility. By combining applied science, industrial innovation, and environmental commitment, the aviation industry is moving closer to a future where flying doesn't mean polluting.
The goal of zero emissions by 2050 seems more achievable when concrete solutions, such as superconducting engines, leave the laboratory and move closer to commercial use. Without miraculous promises, but with real, proven technology, this quiet revolution in engines could be the necessary boost to transform the way we move around the planet—and, who knows, beyond.
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