- The Hydrogen in Aviation alliance is calling for a comprehensive industrial strategy for aviation to ensure the UK is a global leader in the development of hydrogen aviation
- The report sets out how to ensure the country has the right conditions for the technological development, regulation, infrastructure, financial framework and hydrogen supply that will be needed for hydrogen aviation
- HIA’s ultimate goal is to ensure hydrogen-powered flights become a reality to help preserve the huge social and economic benefits that aviation brings
- The Alliance, formed of major players across the aviation, manufacturing and renewable energy sectors, see hydrogen as one of the key tools for the decarbonisation of aviation, and key to creating new jobs and supporting the sector’s long term sustainable future
Mark Bentall, Head of Research & Technology at Airbus, said: “Technology is already unlocking the potential of hydrogen as a new fuel and Airbus is firmly focused on getting a hydrogen powered aircraft in the air by 2035. Beyond the aircraft, we have to prepare people, policy and infrastructure to build a world-leading hydrogen aviation economy in the UK. This report gives us the blueprint for making it happen, so now is the time to follow through.”
Dave Lees, CEO at Bristol Airport , said: “Having hydrogen refuelling infrastructure at airports, operated by a skilled workforce, is critical to the success of zero emissions flight. Leaders such as Bristol Airport stand ready to work with industry, government, and regulators to begin the first commercial hydrogen flights within this decade. We can play our part to support the UK to seize the economic and social opportunities of zero emission flight.”
Russ Dunn, CTO of GKN Aerospace, said: “This report sets the direction for a very exciting carbon-free future of flight. At GKN Aerospace we are committed to making this a reality through our world-leading technology and partnerships across industry, academia and government. The UK now needs to commit to this at a national level – to truly coordinate efforts and seize the opportunity that is in front of us. Now is the time to prepare for and enable the huge sustainability and economic potential of hydrogen for both the aviation industry and wider economy.”
Robert Duncalf, Head of Commercial P2X at Ørsted, said: “Across anumber of sectors, including aviation, de-fossilisation will only be achieved through innovation and focussed investment from industry and government. The potential for use of green hydrogen produced through renewable energy in the sector is clear, but there are many challenges ahead. What we need to see now is further collaborative action to ensure sustained momentum to overcome these challenges and take the UK hydrogen journey to the next stage.”
Alan Newby, Director of Research and Technology, Rolls-Royce, said: “We believe in the potential of hydrogen-powered flight, and we are making good progress in developing the key technology building blocks required to make it a reality. This is an ambitious but necessary challenge, and we look forward to further accelerating progress across the entire hydrogen ecosystem with our industry partners and the UK government to achieve our shared vision of a more sustainable future for aviation.”
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