The UK Civil Aviation Authority has announced it is expanding and extending the Hydrogen Challenge with the launch of a second round, keeping the UK on course to lead the world in hydrogen fuel.
The next stage of the challenge, which aims to prepare the aerospace industry for the adoption of hydrogen as a zero carbon aviation fuel, will look to back the development of new designs for aircraft that use hydrogen fuel cell power systems and remotely piloted systems to cut carbon emissions, as well as changes to airport infrastructure that have the scope to be rolled out nationwide in future, paving the way for hydrogen, including both safe storage and refuelling.
Further areas the next round of the Hydrogen Challenge is looking to develop include new scientific research by some of Britain’s leading aeronautical institutions, helping to expand understanding of hydrogen, and flight trials, safety assessments and demonstrations in service of refining performance, addressing regulatory challenges and unlocking hydrogen’s full potential.
Tim Johnson, Director of Communications, Strategy and Policy at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “These trials keep the UK on course to be a world leader in hydrogen propulsion. We are working with some of the most innovative companies and minds to better understand this technology and how it might be introduced safely in the aerospace sector. In doing so, it offers the potential to enable a more sustainable aerospace system and support UK economic growth.”
