Hydrogen-powered jet engine project launched by UK universities
Four of the top universities in the UK – including Oxford – have launched a £9.5m project to develop hydrogen-powered jet engines.
Leading academics from Oxford University, Imperial College London, Loughborough University, and King’s College London met at the Oxford Thermofluids Institute in June for the official launch of the project.
Backed by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the project aims to transform aviation by helping to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
What is the project?
“Our vision is clear: to replace conventional aviation fuel with hydrogen, thereby making mid-range commercial flights zero carbon. This programme will lay the fundamental scientific groundwork to realise that vision,” says Professor Peter Ireland, Department of Engineering Science at Oxford University, who led the grant application.
The initial meeting outlined plans to tackle challenges with using cryogenic liquid hydrogen as fuel for gas turbines.
Researchers behind the project will investigate the fundamental physics of cryogenic fluid flow, and explore solutions to challenges with heat transfer and thermal management.
Professor Aimee Morgans from Imperial College London emphasised how collaboration will help with addressing some of these challenges: “Combining our expertise across multiple institutions allows us to tackle complex combustion dynamics and achieve low emissions without sacrificing engine performance.”
Who are the researchers?
At Oxford, researchers from the Thermofluids Institute and Solid Mechanics Group will lead the project. Whilst at Loughborough, the work will be led by Professor Jon Carrotte and the National Centre for Combustion and Aerothermal Technology.
Professor Jon Carrotte said, “The team at NCCAT are delighted to be part of this new ambitious research programme that will build on our existing hydrogen knowledge base. In collaboration with our partners at Oxford, Imperial, and King’s College we look forward to developing hydrogen as one of the potential future fuels to decarbonise jet engines that power the aviation sector in the ongoing pursuit to achieve net zero flight.”
What support is it receiving?
The project is receiving support from a number of key industry players, including:
- Rolls-Royce
- Airbus
- Honeywell
- ZeroAvia
- Boeing
- Parker Hannifin
- European Space Agency
Some of the companies supporting the project are providing funded studentships to support the training of future aerospace leaders. Otherwise, they are providing industrial guidance and testing facilities.
The project is funded by a grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Dr Andy Lawrence, Head of Engineering at EPSRC, has said the company is “delighted to support this ground-breaking research programme, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of global efforts to decarbonise aviation”.
What’s next?
The research is just beginning, with no firm timeline. But the target is clear: net-zero aviation by 2050. The groundwork starts now.
