Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC (LSE:RR.) is among aerospace firms to have joined a new alliance aimed at boosting the role of hydrogen in the aviation industry.
Alongside the likes of easyJet PLC and Airbus Group (EPA:AIR), Rolls-Royce announced the Hydrogen in Aviation alliance on Tuesday, with firms set to collaborate on developing alternatively powered flight technology.
“There is no doubt that the UK has the potential to become a world leader in hydrogen aviation,” easyJet boss John Lundgren commented.
“We must work together to deliver the radical solutions required for a hard-to-abate industry like aviation so we can protect and maximise the benefits that it brings,” he added.
According to the group, which also includes Bristol Airport, Ørsted and GKN Aerospace, the adoption of hydrogen in aviation could contribute £34 billion a year to the UK economy.
Given Britain is aiming to boast a net zero aviation sector by 2050, the group said the fuel could play a key role in decarbonising flights.
“Collaboration is key when it comes to achieving our net zero ambitions as an industry,” Rolls-Royce chief technology officer Grazia Vittadini said.
“Our contribution to [the alliance] is the capability and experience we have in pioneering new technologies and solutions.”
Rolls-Royce and easyJet successfully tested a green hydrogen-powered jet engine late last year, while Airbus has also made similar plans to develop the technology.
Critics have argued the move to hydrogen is unviable for the aviation sector, particularly given the current lack of production capacity and the fact higher volumes are needed.
Vittadini commented that the company “strongly believes [hydrogen] is one of the solutions that will help decarbonise aviation” though, with the likes of sustainable fuels also set to play a part.