At its highly anticipated annual summit, Airbus reaffirmed its determination to shape the future of aviation with cutting-edge hydrogen technology. The company shared significant updates to its strategic vision, including plans for a revolutionary single-aisle aircraft expected to launch in the latter 2030s, as well as advancements in the ZEROe project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at driving hydrogen-powered aviation forward.
Bruno Fichefeux, Airbus’ Head of Future Programmes, highlighted the importance of hydrogen in the company’s sustainability strategy, stating, “Hydrogen remains central to our commitment to making aviation greener. Our commitment is steadfast, even as we refine our roadmap. Much like the automotive industry’s transformation through electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered fuel cell aircraft have the potential to redefine air travel while complementing the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels.
A Visionary Hydrogen Aircraft Concept
One of the summit’s centerpiece revelations was Airbus’ design concept for a next-generation hydrogen aircraft. This revolutionary model features four 2-megawatt electric propulsion engines powered by a combination of hydrogen and oxygen through sophisticated fuel cell systems. The aircraft is supported by two liquid hydrogen tanks that enhance its efficiency and sustainability.
This design is not intended as a final product but rather as a stepping stone to unlock key technologies. Airbus plans to test and refine the systems over the next several years, addressing critical challenges such as hydrogen storage solutions, distribution mechanisms, and propulsion advancements. According to Glenn Llewellyn, Head of the ZEROe Project, “After evaluating numerous hydrogen-propulsion concepts over the past five years, we’ve zeroed in on this fully electric approach. It shows immense promise in terms of power capacity and adaptability as the technology matures.”
Trailblazing Progress and Future Testing
Airbus has already reached several important milestones on the path to hydrogen-powered aviation. The successful demonstration of a 1.2MW hydrogen propulsion system in 2023 marked a significant leap forward, followed by integrated testing of key components including fuel cell stacks, electric motors, and advanced cooling technologies in 2024.
To address the complexities of using liquid hydrogen in flight, Airbus collaborated with Air Liquide Advanced Technologies to create the Liquid Hydrogen BreadBoard (LH2BB). This system, developed in Grenoble, France, will undergo extensive ground testing in 2027 at the Electric Aircraft System Test House in Munich. The tests will validate the combined functionality of propulsion and hydrogen distribution systems, bringing Airbus closer to operational implementation.
I praised the incredible power of Dynamic Rheology to study polymer flow behaviour and the polymer molecular structure.
To be totally fair, I have to also acknowledge the equally valuable power of Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA or DMTA).
The principle is strictly the same, with an in-phase and out of phase response. The test is however conducted on solid samples (tension, torsion, bending...) and is most useful in a Temperature sweep approach, ideally from cryogenic temperatures up and above Tg.
The data produced (in addition to the Tg value) can help assess the damping characteristics of the polymer for NVH aspects for instance.
The observation of multiple sub-Tg transitions is of great spectroscopic interest to understand molecular motions and segmental movements. These transitions are the key reason for toughness observed below Tg in many polymers, a performance aspect we rely upon everyday in our plastic parts.
Subtle plasticizing or anti-plasticizing mechanisms can be studied, highlighting often dramatic changes in mechanical performance with addition of a few tenth percent of additives or just due to moisture.
Dyneema®, owned by Avient Corporation, exhibited at Enforce Tac 2025 in Germany from February 24–26. It showcased its expanding ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber solutions for body armor, helmets, and hard armor panels, including its lightest hard ballistic materials, Dyneema® HB330 and Dyneema® HB332.
Visitors experienced the future of personal protection firsthand at the Dyneema® booth in Hall 9, booth number 9–650.
Up to 30% weight savings:
Dyneema® is committed to helping protect the men and women responsible for keeping communities around the world safe. With a fully integrated product portfolio aimed at protecting the whole person, Dyneema® offers outstanding ballistic protection at drastically reduced weights. Applications that incorporate Dyneema® ballistic material, such as ballistic helmets, soft armor vests, hard armor plates/inserts, and armor for vehicle and platform protection, can help provide defense against both legacy and emerging threats.
Dyneema® HB330 and Dyneema® HB332 are the latest breakthroughs in a long history of product innovations. Following the successful launch of Dyneema® SB301 in 2023, the first soft ballistic material made with third-generation Dyneema® fiber, the introduction of Dyneema® HB330 and Dyneema® HB332 provides a comprehensive solution for advanced personal protection. When paired with Dyneema® SB301 in a complete body armor system, Dyneema® HB330 and Dyneema® HB332 enable a high-performance system 45% lighter than a system made from first-generation Dyneema® materials. When comparing these new innovations to the current leading second-generation Dyneema® materials in a complete body armor system, weight savings can reach up to 30%.
Amid growing geopolitical tensions and global conflicts, understanding the origin of materials can be crucial. As the only manufacturer of ballistic materials to make both its fiber and unidirectional (UD) material in-house within the territory of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states, Dyneema® offers strategically resilient supply chains and helps body armor manufacturers keep production close to home. For the European market, Dyneema® materials are manufactured in Heerlen, the Netherlands, offering quality consistency and security of supply for European-based customers with no dependencies on foreign materials or disruption due to supply chain issues. Additionally, the Dyneema® Technical Service Center in Heerlen supports body armor manufacturers in next-generation product development.
Scientists Engineer Bacteria To Break Down Microplastics Found In Wastewater:
Microplastics — the ubiquitous tiny plastic particles that are the result of the breakdown of plastic water bottles, packaging and synthetic clothing fibers — can run through wastewater treatment plants, making their way into the environment.
Researchers have engineered bacteria that is commonly found in the treatment plants to break down microplastic pollution before it has a chance to persist in the environment.
“Wastewater treatment plants are one of the major pathways for microplastics to enter the environment. In general, microplastics are contaminants of global concern that pose risks to ecosystems and human health,” the authors wrote in the study. “With a focus on wastewater, a major pathway for microplastics to enter the environment, this study demonstrates a proof of concept for engineering environmental microbiomes to rapidly degrade PET plastics.
University of Waterloo researchers added DNA to several bacteria species found in wastewater. They then allowed them to biodegrade a common plastic — polyethylene terephthalate (PET) — found in clothing, carpet and food and beverage containers, a press release from the University of Waterloo said.
Conjugation of pFAST-PETase-cis into wastewater bacteria. Microbial Biotechnology (2024). DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.70015
It takes hundreds of years for PET plastics to degrade in the natural environment. They break down over time into microplastics — plastic pieces less than five millimeters in length — which then enter the food chain. Chemicals in these plastics can lead to decreased reproductive health, insulin resistance and cancer, among other adverse health impacts.
“Think of these bacteria that already exist in water systems to clean up microplastics as biorobots that can be programmed to get the job done,” said Dr. Marc Aucoin, a chemical engineering professor at the University of Waterloo, in the press release. “Microplastics in water also enhance the spread of antibiotic resistance, so this breakthrough could also address that concern.”
The research team used “bacterial sex,” a natural process where genetic material is shared between bacteria when they multiply. This enables a new trait to be introduced into the target bacteria, making them able to break down microplastics.
“As next steps, we will use modelling to understand how well the bacteria transfer the new genetic information under different environmental conditions and thus how effectively they can break down the plastics,” said Dr. Brian Ingalls, a professor of applied mathematics at the University of Waterloo, in the press release.
“The long-term vision is to break down microplastics in wastewater treatment plants at scale.”
The team also hopes to discover ways to clean up plastic waste accumulating in the world’s oceans.
How AuREUS Solar Panels are Changing Renewable Energy
The AuREUS solar panel is a groundbreaking UV-absorbing solar panel technology designed to revolutionize renewable energy. Unlike conventional solar panels that rely on direct sunlight, AuREUS can generate electricity even under cloudy conditions, expanding solar power applications to windows, walls, and even clothing.
This revolutionary invention was developed by Carvey Ehren Maigue, an engineering student from Mapúa University in the Philippines. His work on AuREUS earned him the prestigious James Dyson Sustainability Award, recognizing its potential to reshape solar energy systems for urban environments.
With the ability to harvest ultraviolet (UV) light that penetrates through cloud cover, AuREUS offers a more efficient and flexible alternative to traditional solar panels, making clean energy more accessible in diverse settings.
How AuREUS Solar Panels Work
The UV light energy conversion process in AuREUS is inspired by the natural phenomenon of auroras. It utilizes fruit-based solar panels, where luminescent particles derived from recycled plant waste energy capture UV rays, convert them into visible light, and direct them to solar cells for electricity generation.
How the Process Works:
-Absorption: Special luminescent compounds, extracted from fruit and vegetable waste, absorb UV radiation.
-Re-emission: The absorbed UV energy is re-emitted as visible light.
-Energy Transfer: This visible light is then channeled toward photovoltaic cells, where it is converted into usable electricity.
Advantages Over Traditional Solar Panels:
✅ Works without direct sunlight – unlike standard panels, AuREUS captures UV radiation, allowing it to function even in cloudy or shaded environments.
✅ Sustainable material source – repurposing recycled plant waste energy reduces dependence on rare or expensive materials.
✅ Flexible applications – can be integrated into building walls, windows, and even wearable fabric, making it more versatile than rigid solar panels.
This fruit-based solar panel technology represents a game-changing advancement in renewable energy, offering improved efficiency and sustainability over traditional photovoltaic systems.
Key Features and Benefits:
The AuREUS solar panel introduces a unique approach to renewable energy, offering advantages that set it apart from traditional silicon-based solar panels. Unlike conventional solar technology, which depends on direct sunlight, AuREUS can generate electricity even in low-light conditions, making it a sustainable building solar technology with vast applications.
Works in Low-Light Conditions.
Traditional solar panels require consistent sunlight exposure for peak performance. However, AuREUS operates using UV light energy conversion, which means it can function effectively even when cloud cover or shaded environments reduce direct sunlight.Since UV rays penetrate through clouds, AuREUS panels maintain energy production even on overcast days.
Integration into Building Materials, Clothing, and Vehicles:
The flexibility of fruit-based solar panels allows them to be incorporated into various surfaces beyond rooftops. Some of the most promising applications include:
Sustainable building solar technology: AuREUS panels can be integrated into windows, walls, and facades, transforming entire buildings into energy generators.
Wearable solar technology: Lightweight and flexible, the panels can be embedded into clothing, allowing people to generate electricity while on the move.
Vehicle applications: Future iterations of the technology could be used on electric cars and public transportation, reducing reliance on external charging sources.
Eco-Friendly and Low-Cost Production
Unlike traditional solar panels that rely on rare metals and high-energy manufacturing, AuREUS panels are made using recycled plant waste energy from fruits and vegetables. This approach reduces waste and promotes a circular economy, making the technology environmentally sustainable and cost-effective.
Challenges and Limitations
While AuREUS represents a significant innovation, there are still hurdles to overcome before mass adoption. The technology remains in its early stages, and researchers are working to improve its efficiency, scalability, and durability.
Limited Efficiency Compared to Traditional Solar Panels
Currently, early prototypes of AuREUS panels have lower energy conversion rates than conventional silicon-based solar panels. While traditional solar panels can achieve efficiencies of 15-22%, AuREUS panels still need optimization to match these levels. Researchers continue to explore ways to enhance the UV light energy conversion process to make the technology commercially viable.
Scaling Production and Material Constraints
One of the biggest challenges in scaling AuREUS technology is its reliance on specific fruit-based dyes. The luminescent compounds used for UV light absorption currently come from certain fruits and vegetables, limiting mass production capacity. Scientists are searching for synthetic or alternative blue dyes that can replicate the same effect without depending solely on natural organic waste.
Durability Concerns Over Long-Term Exposure
While traditional solar panels are designed to last 25+ years, the longevity of AuREUS panels remains uncertain. The organic compounds used in the process may degrade over time when exposed to heat, moisture, and environmental pollutants. Research is ongoing to improve the stability and lifespan of these materials for long-term deployment.
Despite these challenges, the recognition of AuREUS with the James Dyson Award for renewable energy highlights its disruptive potential. As research progresses, the technology could play a vital role in making solar energy more accessible and adaptable in urban and remote environments.
Future of AuREUS and Vertical Solar Farms
The future of AuREUS solar panels lies in their ability to transform urban landscapes by integrating into vertical solar farms on buildings. This innovation could redefine how cities harness renewable energy while overcoming traditional space constraints.
Integration into Smart Cities and Vertical Solar Farms
Traditional solar panels require large, unobstructed surfaces like rooftops or solar farms in rural areas. However, with solar panels for windows and building facades, AuREUS technology enables cities to generate renewable energy vertically. This is particularly useful for urban environments, where space is limited but buildings provide large vertical surfaces for energy harvesting.
Urban skyscrapers and office buildings: Large glass surfaces can be fitted with UV-absorbing solar panels, converting windows into energy sources.
Residential apartments: Balconies and windows can contribute to decentralized energy production.
Public infrastructure: Bus stops, train stations, and glass-covered walkways could integrate AuREUS panels to generate electricity without affecting aesthetics.
With the rise of smart cities, incorporating vertical solar farms into urban design would help reduce reliance on fossil fuels while promoting self-sufficient buildings.
Potential Improvements in Dye Stability for Enhanced Efficiency:
One of the key areas for future research is enhancing the efficiency of AuREUS panels. Current challenges, such as organic dye degradation, could be addressed by:
Developing synthetic or bio-engineered dyes that last longer under UV exposure.
Enhancing luminescent efficiency to improve the conversion of UV light to visible light before transferring it to photovoltaic cells.
Exploring hybrid solar technologies that combine AuREUS with traditional silicon-based panels for maximum energy capture.
If these improvements are realized, fruit-based solar panels could achieve efficiencies closer to traditional silicon panels, making them more viable for large-scale deployment.
Collaboration with Green Energy Companies
For AuREUS solar panels to achieve mass adoption, partnerships with renewable energy companies and construction firms will be crucial. Possible developments include:
Incorporating AuREUS panels into architectural designs for new eco-friendly buildings.
Forming alliances with solar energy manufacturers to commercialize the technology at scale.
Government incentives and policies that promote solar panels for windows and building facades to encourage widespread adoption.
By integrating AuREUS into urban infrastructure, it has the potential to revolutionize solar energy usage and make cities more energy-efficient.
Conclusion
The development of AuREUS solar panels represents a groundbreaking shift in renewable energy. Unlike traditional solar panels, which rely on direct sunlight, AuREUS harnesses UV light energy conversion, allowing it to work in cloudy and shaded environments. This innovation opens doors for solar panels for windows, walls, and even clothing, making renewable energy more accessible.
Why AuREUS is a Game-Changer in Renewable Energy
Works in low-light conditions, making it effective even on cloudy days.
Can be integrated into urban infrastructure like vertical solar farms, reducing reliance on large open spaces for solar power generation.
Uses recycled plant waste energy, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional solar panels.
Encouraging Sustainable Energy Adoption
As technology progresses, AuREUS solar panels could become a mainstream renewable energy solution. The next steps include:
Following research developments to track efficiency improvements.
Supporting companies and startups that focus on sustainable building solar technology.
Raising awareness about alternative solar solutions that promote sustainability in urban environments.
For readers interested in cutting-edge green technologies, explore related innovations:
