The FlyZero project staff has concluded a liquid-hydrogen-fueled medium-size airline could address a large part of aviation’s emissions.
In a bid to address the UK’s limited hydrogen-related testing capabilities and skills, the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) has launched a project to develop a concept for a center of excellence to help industry embrace liquid hydrogen (LH2) as a fuel for aviation.
The 12-month study will review how a Hydrogen Capability Network could support the UK aerospace industry in three key areas: test infrastructure, LH2 supply and storage, and skills. The ATI is providing £1.29 million ($1.61 million) in government funding.
The goal of the initial Phase 0 is to define an operating model for a group of open-access facilities designed to accelerate development of LH2-fueled aircraft technologies. The study team plans to develop the concept of a Hydrogen Capability Network through to the point of launch.
Phase 0 steps are to deliver defined test infrastructure requirements, agree on a supply of LH2 for tests and research, establish an LH2 academy to accelerate skills development and make a financial commitment to establish an initial operational capability for the network.
In 2022, the ATI’s two-year, £15 million FlyZero project brought together around 100 experts from across UK industry to conduct an intensive study of zero-emission commercial aviation. The study identified LH2 as the best fuel, and one of its recommendations was to address the UK industry’s limited hydrogen-related capabilities through the creation of a center of excellence.
Under the FlyZero project, it was recommended a cross-sector hydrogen technology center with open-access facilities be created to facilitate research into fundamental hydrogen behavior (including cryogenics) and that requirements be developed for safe handling, standards and regulations, material properties and test specifications.
Harry Malins, ATI’s chief innovation officer, says: “This project is driving forward the decarbonization of the aerospace sector by implementing the recommendations set out by the FlyZero project, creating a national network of assets that will secure the infrastructure, skills and capability that the UK needs to retain a competitive advantage in this global industry.”
