Rolls-Royce has said that they are ready to begin carrying out ground tests on the first hydrogen-fuelled AE2100 aero engine as part of its race to net zero programme.
Working in conjunction with low-cost carrier easyJet, Rolls-Royce is exploring hydrogen as a future fuel for aviation replacing conventional fossil fuels.
The AE2100 is a turboprop aero engine that is used to power a variety of aircraft including the C130J Hercules, it was originally designed by the Allison Engine Company and future plans for hydrogen fuel include their Pearl business jet engines.
Rolls-Royce isn’t alone in looking to Hydrogen fuel, Airbus is also exploring hydrogen as a fuel for its airliners.
Rolls-Royce aims to achieve net zero by 2050 however actual flight tests of hydrogen-fuelled commercial aircraft isn’t expected until after 2030.
