Rolls-Royce has open a facility in Bristol to develop jet engine technologies, creating 150 jobs.
The composite technology hub, which is on the existing site in Filton, will develop fan blades and cases which reduce weight in jet engines, lowering fuel consumption and emissions, according to the company.
Around 30 employees who worked for Rolls-Royce in the Isle of Wight, and some existing equipment from that facility, have also been moved to the new innovation centre.
The new facility will use low-energy and low-emissions processes as well as state-of-the-art automated manufacturing methods and materials, Rolls-Royce has said.
Components made at the new Bristol site will reduce fuel burn and CO2 by at least 25 per cent compared to the first Trent engine, according to the company.
Alan Newby, Rolls-Royce, director of aerospace technology and future programmes, said: “This incredible new facility exemplifies our commitment to creating cleaner, more efficient forms of power.
"Our highly-skilled employees will use the latest technology, materials and manufacturing techniques to develop components that will contribute to lighter, quieter, more powerful jet engines with fewer emissions.”
The facility will focus on carbon-fibre composites, which are used in the aerospace industry to reduce weight significantly.
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The lighter an engine is, the less fuel it burns, creating fewer emissions. A Rolls-Royce fan system made with carbon-fibre composites can save almost 700kg per aircraft - the equivalent of seven passengers and their luggage - according to the company.
The fan blades are made by manufacturing techniques that build up hundreds of layers of carbon-fibre materials, pre-filled with tough resin material.
Heat and pressure are then applied, and each blade is finished with a thin titanium leading edge, which offers extreme protection against erosion, foreign objects and bird strikes.
The facility has already started making fan blades and cases for the UltraFan demonstrator engine.
Rolls-Royce says the centre will benefit from manufacturing techniques that have been developed in partnership with the National Composites Centre in Bristol.
It will also use research conducted at the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre at the University of Bristol, as well as several other universities and research centres in the 海角视频 and in Europe.
Rolls-Royce has pledged to achieve zero emissions at its operations and facilities by 2030.