Three projects have been awarded £84 million from the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) programme to power zero-emissions flights
The projects will use alternative energy sources of hydrogen or electricity to reduce the aerospace industry’s reliance on fossil fuels and generate 4,750 jobs across the UK.
The projects were selected by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, ATI and Innovate UK – part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
The three projects receiving funding are:
- GKN Aerospace-led project H2GEAR – This will receive £27.2 million to develop an innovative liquid hydrogen propulsion system for regional air travel.
- ZeroAvia’s HyFlyer II – This will receive £12.3 million to scale up its zero-emissions engines for demonstration on a 19-seater aircraft.
- InCEPTion, led by Blue Bear Systems Research – This will receive £2.8 million to develop a fully-electrified zero-emissions propulsion system for aircraft.
Minister for Business, Paul Scully, said:
“These trailblazing projects are broadening the horizons of future air travel, towards a greener future where we may be able to hail taxis from the sky rather than on our streets.
“This multi-million-pound boost will help to secure up to 4,750 jobs in these projects spanning the UK, and could pave the way to technological advances that will allow the industry to build back better and greener following the COVID-19 pandemic – and help tackle climate change.”
Simon Edmonds, Innovate UK’s Deputy Executive Chair, said:
“The need to change how we fly has never been more pressing, moving towards zero-carbon powered aircraft is one way we can cut greenhouse gas emissions.
“By investing in innovative UK companies and technologies we can ensure momentum is maintained and the country is well-positioned in the markets that will emerge. Each of these projects is extremely exciting and we look forward to working with the partners to ensure their success.”
Gary Elliott, Chief Executive of ATI, said:
“Today’s announcement shows how the ATI through its long-term funding is stimulating research in technologies to deliver future zero-emission flight. The ATI Programme is focused on innovation and sustainability: keeping the UK aerospace sector at the forefront of next-generation technology.
“And we are delivering vital support for companies both large and small – securing thousands of jobs across the country and generating strong economic return to the UK.”
