Toshiba Superconducting Motor Could Revolutionize Hydrogen Aviation

HYSKY Society
Oct 13
3 min read

Two men in suits sit at a wooden table in an office with shelves and plants, looking at the camera. Bright, professional setting. — Kyohei Shibata, New Business Development Department, Power Systems Division, Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation (left) and Fumitoshi Mizutani, Fourth Advanced System Design & Engineering Group, Advanced System Design & Engineering Department, Isogo Nuclear Engineering Center, Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation (right)

Toshiba and Airbus are teaming up to transform the future of aviation by developing a superconducting motor tailored for hydrogen-powered aircraft. The motor—ten times lighter and smaller than traditional models—promises ultra-efficient electric propulsion powered by liquid hydrogen.

https://fuelcellsworks.com/2025/10/09/energy-innovation/realizing-the-dream-of-hydrogen-powered-flight-with-a-superconducting-motor-partnering-with-airbus-to-make-it-happen

Hydrogen-Electric Propulsion: A Game-Changer for Sustainable Aviation

As the aviation industry targets net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050, Toshiba’s breakthrough superconducting motor has caught the attention of global aerospace leader Airbus. The companies are now conducting joint research to integrate this advanced propulsion technology into future hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Announced at the Japan International Aerospace Expo 2024, the collaboration unites Airbus’s mission for zero-emission flight with Toshiba’s half-century of superconducting R&D. The lightweight 2-megawatt (MW) motor—just one-tenth the size and weight of its conventional equivalents—could pave the way for long-range, zero-emission aircraft.

A Perfect Match: Hydrogen and Superconductivity

Toshiba’s superconducting motor isn’t just light—it’s efficient. Operating at cryogenic temperatures, it naturally aligns with hydrogen, which must be stored as liquid hydrogen (LH₂) at -253°C. This synergy allows aircraft to use hydrogen both as fuel and as a cooling agent for the superconducting motor, maximizing system efficiency.

According to Fumitoshi Mizutani, lead developer at Toshiba, “These features of Toshiba’s unique technology aligned closely with Airbus’s ideal specifications for hydrogen aircraft.”

Grzegorz Ombach, Senior VP and Head of Future Technology Research at Airbus, and Tsutomu Takeuchi, Director and VP of Toshiba’s Power Systems Division, formalized the partnership during the 2024 aerospace expo.

Powering the Future—On Earth and Beyond

Superconductivity could offer massive benefits across aviation and beyond. “We developed the superconducting motor by bringing together engineers from power plant generator development,” said Kyohei Shibata, from Toshiba’s New Business Development Department. “This gives us strengths other companies do not have.”

Beyond aircraft, Toshiba envisions applying superconducting motors in shipping and space vehicles, extending the potential reach of hydrogen-electric mobility.

Despite hurdles like hydrogen infrastructure and aviation regulations, the joint venture underscores both companies’ commitment to sustainable transformation. Mizutani, reflecting on Toshiba’s progress, shared: “My dream is to one day fly in a hydrogen aircraft powered by a superconducting motor that I developed.”

For more information

https://www.global.toshiba/ww/company/energy.html

(Top image: Credit — Toshiba)

FAQ: Hydrogen Aviation and Superconducting Propulsion

1. What is a superconducting motor and how does it work in aircraft?

A superconducting motor uses materials that have zero electrical resistance at cryogenic temperatures, allowing for high-efficiency, lightweight, and high-output electric propulsion—ideal for hydrogen-electric aircraft.

2. Why is liquid hydrogen suitable for cooling superconducting motors?

Liquid hydrogen is stored at -253°C, a temperature compatible with the cryogenic conditions needed for superconductivity, enabling dual use as both fuel and a cooling agent.

3. What are the advantages of superconducting motors in aviation?

They provide higher power-to-weight ratios, reduce energy losses, and improve overall efficiency—critical factors for long-range, zero-emission flight.

4. How does Airbus plan to use superconducting motors in hydrogen aircraft?

Airbus is collaborating with Toshiba to integrate the motors into electric propulsion systems powered by hydrogen fuel cells, targeting next-generation aircraft.

5. What power output does Toshiba’s superconducting motor achieve?

The prototype delivers 2 megawatts of output—sufficient for propulsion in regional hydrogen-electric aircraft.

6. What are the two main ways hydrogen can be used to power aircraft?

Hydrogen can be combusted in modified gas turbines or used in fuel cells to generate electricity for electric motors.

7. What challenges remain for implementing superconducting motors in aviation?

Key challenges include cryogenic hydrogen storage, infrastructure for hydrogen refueling, and adapting aircraft designs to integrate the motors.

8. How long has Toshiba been working on superconductivity?

Toshiba has over 50 years of experience in superconductivity research, dating back to the 1970s.

9. Can superconducting motors be used in industries beyond aviation?

Yes, Toshiba plans to extend their application to marine vessels and space transportation, thanks to their compactness and efficiency.

10. What role does HYSKY Society play in hydrogen aviation?

HYSKY Society is a leading organization advancing hydrogen aviation through education, industry collaboration, and events like FLYING HY 2025.

For the latest news, insights, and content regarding hydrogen aviation, please join the following HYSKY Society channels: YouTube, X, and LinkedIn.

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