From Dream to Reality: Toshiba and Airbus Drive the Future of Hydrogen-Powered Flight with Superconducting Motors.

SINGAPORE, Jan. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- While the aviation sector rushes to achieve net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050, innovations beyond the limits of sustainable aviation fuel remain essential. This is where Toshiba's superconducting motor fits: a compact, lightweight, and high-output solution for electric propulsion systems. With less than one-tenth of the weight and size of conventional 2MW-class motors, such a drastic reduction in size and weight represents a game-changer in aviation, where every kilogram matters, and high output is required.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/toshiba/9376851-en-toshiba-airbus-hydrogen-powered-superconducting-motors

Recognizing the promise of the prototype motor, first presented in 2022, the world's largest aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, began collaborative research in 2024 to further develop and scale this technology. The joint signing of the partnership agreement at Japan International Aerospace Expo 2024 underlining both companies' determination to promote aerospace innovation. Building on over 50 years of experience in superconducting technology, this partnership brings together Toshiba's and Airbus's innovations in hydrogen propulsion and aircraft electrification programs and marks a pivotal step toward realizing zero-emission flight.

Hydrogen-powered aircraft are set to transform air travel by replacing fossil fuels with clean energy solutions. Hydrogen can power aircraft in two ways: burning it in turbines or converting it to electricity in fuel cells. The second way is much more efficient, as it allows electric propulsion with zero CO₂ emissions. Toshiba's superconducting motor amplifies this advantage by operating at cryogenic temperatures and, therefore, no electrical resistance, maximizing energy efficiency. Liquefied hydrogen stored at -253°C environment serves as both fuel and coolant, creating a perfect synergy that improves performance while reducing weight and paving the way for sustainable aviation.

Beyond aviation, Toshiba envisions superconducting motor technology as a powerful engine for sustainable mobility in various applications. Its lightweight, high-output design and cryogenic efficiency make it ideal for large-scale applications where weight and energy performance are critical. Potential future uses include powering next-generation ships for clean maritime transport and propulsion for space travel.

Toshiba and Airbus have taken a revolutionary path toward carbon-neutral skies, reshaping aviation with superconducting motors and hydrogen-powered propulsion systems. This collaboration goes beyond engineering; it embodies a vision of mobility free from carbon emissions while breaking through new efficiency frontiers. By pairing superconductivity with hydrogen's potential as a clean energy source, the partnership is shaping a future where aircraft fly farther, cleaner, and smarter.

SINGAPORE, Jan. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- While the aviation sector rushes to achieve net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050, innovations beyond the limits of sustainable aviation fuel remain essential. This is where Toshiba's superconducting motor fits: a compact, lightweight, and high-output solution for electric propulsion systems. With less than one-tenth of the weight and size of conventional 2MW-class motors, such a drastic reduction in size and weight represents a game-changer in aviation, where every kilogram matters, and high output is required.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/toshiba/9376851-en-toshiba-airbus-hydrogen-powered-superconducting-motors

Recognizing the promise of the prototype motor, first presented in 2022, the world's largest aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, began collaborative research in 2024 to further develop and scale this technology. The joint signing of the partnership agreement at Japan International Aerospace Expo 2024 underlining both companies' determination to promote aerospace innovation. Building on over 50 years of experience in superconducting technology, this partnership brings together Toshiba's and Airbus's innovations in hydrogen propulsion and aircraft electrification programs and marks a pivotal step toward realizing zero-emission flight.

Hydrogen-powered aircraft are set to transform air travel by replacing fossil fuels with clean energy solutions. Hydrogen can power aircraft in two ways: burning it in turbines or converting it to electricity in fuel cells. The second way is much more efficient, as it allows electric propulsion with zero CO₂ emissions. Toshiba's superconducting motor amplifies this advantage by operating at cryogenic temperatures and, therefore, no electrical resistance, maximizing energy efficiency. Liquefied hydrogen stored at -253°C environment serves as both fuel and coolant, creating a perfect synergy that improves performance while reducing weight and paving the way for sustainable aviation.

Beyond aviation, Toshiba envisions superconducting motor technology as a powerful engine for sustainable mobility in various applications. Its lightweight, high-output design and cryogenic efficiency make it ideal for large-scale applications where weight and energy performance are critical. Potential future uses include powering next-generation ships for clean maritime transport and propulsion for space travel.

Toshiba and Airbus have taken a revolutionary path toward carbon-neutral skies, reshaping aviation with superconducting motors and hydrogen-powered propulsion systems. This collaboration goes beyond engineering; it embodies a vision of mobility free from carbon emissions while breaking through new efficiency frontiers. By pairing superconductivity with hydrogen's potential as a clean energy source, the partnership is shaping a future where aircraft fly farther, cleaner, and smarter.

 
Achieving Carbon Neutrality in industries and transportation with Toshiba

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

From Dream to Reality: Toshiba and Airbus Drive the Future of Hydrogen-Powered Flight with Superconducting Motors.

From Dream to Reality: Toshiba and Airbus Drive the Future of Hydrogen-Powered Flight with Superconducting Motors.

From Dream to Reality: Toshiba and Airbus Drive the Future of Hydrogen-Powered Flight with Superconducting Motors.

From Dream to Reality: Toshiba and Airbus Drive the Future of Hydrogen-Powered Flight with Superconducting Motors.

• Strategic cooperation is pursued as part of the ITB program linked to the Hanwha Ocean Canada Submarine Program(CPSP)
• Power generation from waste heat discarded by pipeline boosters, establishing a carbon-reduction solution for North American energy infrastructure
• Expanding the foundation for the commercialization of waste heat recovery power generation targeting North American pipeline boosters

CALGARY, AB and SEOUL, South Korea, May 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hanwha Power (CEO Rafi Balta) announced on the 20th local time that it had signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Pembina Pipeline Corporation (Pembina), a leading Canadian energy transportation and midstream service provider that has served North America's energy industry for more than 70 years, to collaborate on a low-carbon power generation project.

This collaboration is being pursued in parallel with a waste heat recovery (WHR) project based on supercritical carbon dioxide at compressor stations operated by Pembina, as well as industrial and technological benefits (ITB) linked to Hanwha Ocean's participation in the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).

The MOU is significant as a proposed strategic collaboration that connects Hanwha Group's energy technology capabilities with Canada's local industrial ecosystem. Under this MOU, the two companies plan to jointly assess the feasibility of deploying WHR power generation systems at Pembina's compressor stations and gas infrastructure.

Specifically, the two companies will work together to identify pilot project candidates, jointly assess their technical and economic feasibility, and collaborate on lower-carbon power generation opportunities in the North American midstream market.

Hanwha Power's WHR power generation system is a next-generation technology that uses supercritical carbon dioxide, a working fluid with both liquid and gas properties. It can reduce equipment size, and it is characterized by 100% water-free operation and uncrewed operation.

In particular, this technology is expected to be a promising lower-carbon solution in the North American oil and gas market, where water use is limited, and the need to reduce carbon emissions is high. It can generate electricity without additional fuel consumption by reusing waste heat from industrial equipment, such as gas turbines, thereby improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. Compared with organic Rankine cycle (ORC) power generation, which uses low-temperature waste heat from factories and incineration plants, it offers better performance, a more compact system, and a non-explosive, non-toxic working fluid.

Pembina, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, owns an extensive network of strategically located assets, including hydrocarbon liquids and natural gas pipelines, gas gathering and processing facilities, oil and natural gas liquids infrastructure and logistics services, and an export terminals business. Through this collaboration, Pembina is expected to improve the energy efficiency of its existing assets, reduce carbon emissions, and explore the application of new green technologies.

Through this collaboration, Hanwha Power plans to expand strategic cooperation in Canada based on its CPSP-linked ITB strategy and strengthen its entry base into the North American market. The company aims to further expand its global business in green power generation solutions.

Hanwha Power's Michael Sicker, Head of the Americas, said, "This collaboration is a meaningful first step toward expanding our green energy solutions business in the Canadian market. By combining ITB-based industrial cooperation with lower-carbon technology, we will contribute to mutual growth with local industry and create long-term business value."

Pembina's Chris Rousch, Senior Vice President, Commercial, said, " Actively exploring opportunities to enhance the efficiency and long-term value of our operating assets is core to our business at Pembina. Our collaboration with Hanwha creates further opportunity to deliver differentiated value for our customers and stakeholders."

• Strategic cooperation is pursued as part of the ITB program linked to the Hanwha Ocean Canada Submarine Program(CPSP)
• Power generation from waste heat discarded by pipeline boosters, establishing a carbon-reduction solution for North American energy infrastructure
• Expanding the foundation for the commercialization of waste heat recovery power generation targeting North American pipeline boosters

CALGARY, AB and SEOUL, South Korea, May 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hanwha Power (CEO Rafi Balta) announced on the 20th local time that it had signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Pembina Pipeline Corporation (Pembina), a leading Canadian energy transportation and midstream service provider that has served North America's energy industry for more than 70 years, to collaborate on a low-carbon power generation project.

This collaboration is being pursued in parallel with a waste heat recovery (WHR) project based on supercritical carbon dioxide at compressor stations operated by Pembina, as well as industrial and technological benefits (ITB) linked to Hanwha Ocean's participation in the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).

The MOU is significant as a proposed strategic collaboration that connects Hanwha Group's energy technology capabilities with Canada's local industrial ecosystem. Under this MOU, the two companies plan to jointly assess the feasibility of deploying WHR power generation systems at Pembina's compressor stations and gas infrastructure.

Specifically, the two companies will work together to identify pilot project candidates, jointly assess their technical and economic feasibility, and collaborate on lower-carbon power generation opportunities in the North American midstream market.

Hanwha Power's WHR power generation system is a next-generation technology that uses supercritical carbon dioxide, a working fluid with both liquid and gas properties. It can reduce equipment size, and it is characterized by 100% water-free operation and uncrewed operation.

In particular, this technology is expected to be a promising lower-carbon solution in the North American oil and gas market, where water use is limited, and the need to reduce carbon emissions is high. It can generate electricity without additional fuel consumption by reusing waste heat from industrial equipment, such as gas turbines, thereby improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. Compared with organic Rankine cycle (ORC) power generation, which uses low-temperature waste heat from factories and incineration plants, it offers better performance, a more compact system, and a non-explosive, non-toxic working fluid.

Pembina, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, owns an extensive network of strategically located assets, including hydrocarbon liquids and natural gas pipelines, gas gathering and processing facilities, oil and natural gas liquids infrastructure and logistics services, and an export terminals business. Through this collaboration, Pembina is expected to improve the energy efficiency of its existing assets, reduce carbon emissions, and explore the application of new green technologies.

Through this collaboration, Hanwha Power plans to expand strategic cooperation in Canada based on its CPSP-linked ITB strategy and strengthen its entry base into the North American market. The company aims to further expand its global business in green power generation solutions.

Hanwha Power's Michael Sicker, Head of the Americas, said, "This collaboration is a meaningful first step toward expanding our green energy solutions business in the Canadian market. By combining ITB-based industrial cooperation with lower-carbon technology, we will contribute to mutual growth with local industry and create long-term business value."

Pembina's Chris Rousch, Senior Vice President, Commercial, said, " Actively exploring opportunities to enhance the efficiency and long-term value of our operating assets is core to our business at Pembina. Our collaboration with Hanwha creates further opportunity to deliver differentiated value for our customers and stakeholders."

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Hanwha Power Signs Strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Canadian Energy Company Pembina Pipeline for Lower-Carbon Power Generation Business