New grant to help develop world’s first hydrogen flight

UK-based green hydrogen energy services company has secured funding to develop infrastructure for the world’s first hydrogen flight. 

The grant has been awarded to Protium Green Solutions, as part of the UK Government’s Future Flight programme, funded by UK Research and Innovation as part of the Government’s modern industrial strategy.

The grant invites businesses and innovators to take part in or source partners for revolutionising aviation as part of a £125m challenge.

Protium will use the funds to determine the best methods for safely and commercially producing, storing, and distributing green hydrogen for aviation activities, with support from its consortium partners.

The consortium will examine the potential of a hydrogen-powered 19-seater, 500-mile range aircraft.

The project will finish in 2022, with the consortium partners looking to a potential follow-on bid for the Phase III of Future Flight, which would result in the construction and operation of the world’s first operating zero-emission 19-seater commercial aircraft, with dedicated green hydrogen infrastructure.

ZeroAvia, the leading innovator in decarbonising commercial aviation, has previously been involved with similar projects, having received a £2.7m grant last year to support in the project’s development and principal technology to enable practical, zero-emission aviation in commercial aircraft.

Chris Jackson, CEO of Protium, said: ‘This could lead to a significant breakthrough for not only the aviation sector but also the fuel cell and renewable energy industry. This is a brilliant example of industries working collaboratively to achieve net zero targets and together, with the consortium, we have a real opportunity to pave the way for sustainable, emission-free air travel. We’re delighted to be working on this ground-breaking project.

Andy Smith, head of the sustainability strategy at Loganair, said: ‘Hydrogen based propulsion systems for aircraft are an exciting emerging technology with the potential to eliminate emissions for sub-regional air transportation. We are very pleased to be working alongside so many innovative and ambitious partners with the common goal of finding sustainable and cost-effective transport solutions for the Highland and Island communities we serve.’

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