Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC (LSE:RR.) has hailed a test run of the world’s first hydrogen-powered jet engine as a “new aviation milestone”, suggesting a large step has been made towards the decarbonisation of the aviation industry.
In partnership with easyJet PLC, Rolls-Royce ran a converted regional aircraft engine fuelled by green hydrogen, made using tidal and wind energy from a European Marine Energy Centre facility on the Scottish Orkney Islands.
Having proven that hydrogen can “safely and efficiently” power civil aero engines, Rolls-Royce said in a press release that a second round of tests is already being planned, “with a longer-term ambition to carry out test flights” being the ultimate goal.
Commenting on the test, business secretary Grant Shapps said: “The UK is leading the global shift to guilt-free flying, and today’s test by Rolls-Royce and easyJet is an exciting demonstration of how business innovation can transform the way we live our lives.”
Rolls-Royce chief technology officer Grazia Vittadini added: “We are pushing the boundaries to discover the zero carbon possibilities of hydrogen, which could help reshape the future of flight.”
Rolls-Royce share price was up 1% to 91p.