A project by Rolls-Royce to develop the building blocks of a liquid hydrogen-fuelled jet engine capable of making flights free from carbon emissions has been given a boost thanks to funding of £113m from the Government.
The money is being shared amongst several producers to develop cutting edge new technologies that could enable electric flying taxis and hydrogen-powered aircraft.
Grazia Vittadini, Chief Technology Officer at Rolls-Royce plc, said: “Rolls-Royce welcomes this announcement from the UK government. Aerospace Technology Institute funding enables us and our partners to deliver these exciting projects that are critical to the delivery of the zero carbon element of our net zero road map, and will help position the UK as a leader on the pathway to more sustainable flight.
Business Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Guilt-free flying is within our reach, and we are backing the world-leading UK firms whose skills and ingenuity are going to make that dream a reality.
“As the whole world moves to greener forms of aviation, there is a massive opportunity for the UK’s aerospace industry to secure clean, green jobs and growth for decades to come. Together with the companies that share our ambitions, we are determined to seize this moment.”
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “The Jet Zero Council is helping to define the future of flying – one that’s more optimistic about the sector’s environmental impact while putting UK innovation at the forefront of international aviation.
“As well as developing the next generation of aircraft, it’s also crucial we make the sector greener on the ground, and the call for evidence we’re launching today will help us gather evidence on how airports can reach zero emissions by 2040.”
