Rolls-Royce to conducts engine tests using hydrogen fuel

Rolls-Royce has been preparing a comprehensive series of rig and engine tests to show that hydrogen fuel can effectively fly aircraft.

From manufacturers to airlines, stakeholders across the commercial air travel industry have shown their commitment to hydrogen-powered aircraft amid their decarbonization goals. Two powerhouses that are firmly supporting this field are easyJet and Rolls-Royce, who have been working closely together to advance hydrogen aviation technology.

Earlier, easyJet outlined its ambitious net zero roadmap at a conference in Luton, England, attended by Simple Flying. While a plethora of initiatives was discussed, a standout feature was the deployment of hydrogen aircraft.

easyJet notes that hydrogen has no operational CO2 emissions. Thus, the British carrier has collaborated with several other firms, including Rolls-Royce, to accelerate the deployment of the element in the commercial aviation industry.

Notably, the airline was quickly on board to back Airbus’ ZEROe program amid the manufacturer’s mission to enter the first zero emission commercial aircraft into service by 2035 via hydrogen technology. Moreover, easyJet entered into a multi-million-pound hydrogen engine and carbon removal technology partnership with Rolls-Royce.

The hydrogen combustion engine project is part of the H2ZERO initiative that would see the companies perform engine tests. Two primary ground tests have been planned. One on a Rolls-Royce AE 2100 turboprop engine before 2022 comes to a close, and another on a Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 jet engine in the future.

While looking at the sister unit of the AE 2100 set to be tested, Rolls-Royce staff informed Simple Flying that the hydrogen involved in the test program is coming from Scotland. The United Kingdom has been making waves in the hydrogen realm recently, with the likes of ZeroAvia and magniX advancing well with their facilities across the country.