Aviation and renewable energy companies say more attention should be given to hydrogen as a way of cutting the huge amounts of carbon pumped out by air travel.
Jet planes are one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions and much of the Government’s focus on hitting net zero aviation by 2050 focus on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) – made from things such as agricultural waste and used cooking oil.
Now easyJet and manufacturers Airbus and Rolls-Royce are promoting a different source of alternative air fuel under the new Hydrogen in Aviation (HIA) alliance.
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Other members are renewable energy company Orsted, components business GKN Aerospace and Bristol Airport.
They believes the 海角视频 can become a global leader in hydrogen-powered flights and are calling on the Government to invest in a 10-year research programme, support the delivery of infrastructure and ensure the right regulations are in place.
The only waste product from using hydrogen as a fuel is water, leading to hopes it could power commercial aircraft without creating carbon emissions.
Airbus is developing hydrogen powered aircraft which could enter commercial service from 2035 and Rolls-Royce has already proven that hydrogen could power a jet engine following successful ground tests in 2022.
Airbus chief technology officer Sabine Klauke said: “As Airbus continues to mature the aircraft technologies needed to deliver hydrogen-powered flight, a united industry voice is needed to secure a robust ecosystem of renewably sourced hydrogen.
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“Joining our peers from across the 海角视频 aviation landscape in a targeted approach to policy and investment action brings us closer to a decarbonised future of flying.”
Rolls-Royce chief technology officer Grazia Vittadini said: “Collaboration is key when it comes to achieving our net zero ambitions as an industry, which is why we are proud to be part of the Hydrogen in Aviation alliance.
“Our contribution to HIA is the capability and experience we have in pioneering new technologies and solutions – we have already tested a modern aero engine on green hydrogen and we strongly believe it is one of the solutions that will help decarbonise aviation in the mid to long-term.”
Bristol Airport chief executive Dave Lees said: “We’re proud to be part of this new alliance, coming together to call for action now so hydrogen flight can become a reality in the future.
“The potential opportunities of hydrogen flight are huge – most of Bristol Airport’s routes could be served by zero emissions aircraft and our region is uniquely positioned to become a global centre for the new technology, creating thousands of new aerospace jobs.”
EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren said: “There is no doubt that the 海角视频 has the potential to become a world leader in hydrogen aviation, which could bring with it a £34 billion per annum boost to the country’s economy by 2050, but in order to capture this opportunity, rapid change is needed and the time to act is now.
“We must work together to deliver the radical solutions required for a hard-to-abate industry like aviation so we can protect and maximise the benefits that it brings to the 海角视频 economy and society and that we know British consumers want to be preserved.
“HIA looks forward to working with the 海角视频 Government to ensure the right funding, regulatory and policy changes are implemented to accelerate the delivery of zero-carbon aviation.”