ZeroAvia has been awarded £10.5 million in funding from the UK Government through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) strategic programme.
This substantial investment will accelerate the development of high-temperature fuel cell technology.
This is a crucial stepping stone towards achieving zero-emission propulsion systems for aircraft. This will apply to a range from small commuter planes to narrowbody jets.
AFCAD Project
The Advanced Fuel Cell for Aviation Decarbonisation (AFCAD) project, spearheaded by ZeroAvia, brings together a powerhouse of academic expertise.
Collaboration partners are the University of Kent, Coventry University, and the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
Jointly, the project aims to push the boundaries of fuel cell technology in aviation.
The research will focus on developing advanced components and full High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (HTPEM) stacks. It has the ambitious goal of demonstrating unprecedented levels of specific power and durability.
AFCAD builds upon the foundation laid by ZeroAvia’s highly successful HyFlyer I and II ATI projects. These leading initiatives achieved milestone flights of hydrogen-electric aircraft.
They significantly boosted industry confidence in the viability of commercial, zero-emission flights within this decade. The progress made in these earlier projects has been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of sustainable aviation technology.
HyFlyer II Project
A key achievement during the HyFlyer II project was ZeroAvia’s demonstration of the largest HTPEM stack module. This has been designed specifically for aviation applications.
This breakthrough showcased the technology’s readiness for scaling up, paving the way for the integration of fuel cells into large commercial aircraft.
AFCAD aims to take this technology even further, unlocking new possibilities for a range of aircraft, including large regional turboprops and regional jets.
It will ultimately benefit narrowbody aircraft that form the backbone of many airline fleets.
Beyond technological advancements, the AFCAD project is set to have a broader impact on the UK’s industrial landscape.
The project aims to fostering the development of a robust supply chain and advancing manufacturing pathways for these cutting-edge components. This would ultimately position the UK as a leader in sustainable aviation technology.
HTPEM Fuel Cell Power Generation
ZeroAvia’s vision for the future of aviation hinges on HTPEM fuel cell power generation, particularly for aircraft with more than 20 seats.
This technology is integral to the company’s ambitious ZA2000 engine program, which aims to deliver 2-5.4 MW of power, suitable for aircraft in the 40-80 seat range.
This development could revolutionize regional air travel, offering a clean alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered engines.
Val Miftakhov, Founder & CEO of ZeroAvia, emphasized the significance of this funding. “The ATI has identified hydrogen as the likely fuel of the future for aviation, and put fuel cells with higher specific power as a major priority on its technology roadmap.”
“The award of this project recognizes that ZeroAvia is best placed to develop this technology and that the UK can garner strong industrial advantage from establishing leadership in high temperature PEM fuel cells for aviation and beyond.”
UK Government Perspective
The UK Government’s support for this initiative aligns with its broader strategy to maintain and enhance the country’s position in the global aerospace sector.
Jonathan Reynolds, UK Government Business and Trade Secretary, highlighted the economic impact of the industry.
“Our world-class aerospace sector added almost £40 billion to the economy last year. Backed with pioneer cutting-edge new technologies we’re delivering economic growth and supporting high-skilled jobs in every part of the UK.”
Speaking at the Farnborough Airshow, Reynolds added further commentary. “It’s fitting that I’m launching this new support here at Farnborough Airshow, where the best of British innovation is showcased on the global stage.”
“This reinforces our commitment to placing innovation and manufacturing at the heart of our Industrial Strategy.”
This substantial funding and collaborative effort mark a significant step forward in the journey towards sustainable aviation.
As ZeroAvia and its partners push the boundaries of fuel cell technology, the aviation industry moves closer to a future where zero-emission flight is not just a possibility, but a reality for commercial air travel.
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