A new partnership between fuel cell pioneer Intelligent Energy (IE) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is bringing the promise of zero-emission hydrogen-powered flights in the UK a step closer.
The collaboration will play a key role in ensuring the safe operation of the first generation of fuel-cell-powered passenger aircraft that are predicted to take to the skies this decade.
Loughborough-based Intelligent Energy, a global leader in hydrogen fuel cell technology for more than 20 years, made history in 2008 by partnering with Boeing to achieve the first manned flight powered by a fuel cell.
Today, the company continues to push the boundaries of hydrogen aviation, with innovations including a proprietary water injection cooling system that delivers unrivalled power density.
IE’s 300kW IE-FLIGHT 300 (F300) product, launched in July 2024, has been designed to meet the needs of the first commercial zero-emission aircraft. It will power the Part 23 aircraft (with up to 19 seats) and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that are set to transform urban air mobility. First deliveries are planned for 2027.
IE has been selected by the CAA to contribute to the second round of its UK Hydrogen Challenge, a pivotal initiative preparing the aerospace industry for the transition to hydrogen as a zero-carbon aviation fuel. IE’s primary role will be to advance the safety and certification standards for fuel cell-based propulsion systems, ensuring their compliance with aviation regulations and expediting their integration into commercial use.
Jonathan Douglas-Smith, Head of Business Development for IE-FLIGHT at Intelligent Energy, emphasised the significance of the partnership. He said:
“The UK is on track to lead the world in hydrogen fuel systems, but achieving zero-emission aviation requires more than just technological breakthroughs – it demands close collaboration between innovators and regulators.
“With our deep expertise in fuel cell design, manufacturing and real-world applications, we are uniquely positioned to bridge this gap. Our involvement in the UK Hydrogen Challenge keeps us at the forefront of zero-emission aviation while also shaping the future regulatory landscape for sustainable flight.”
The UK Hydrogen Challenge was launched in 2024, and trials in this second phase will run for three years.
“The long-term nature of the collaboration reflects the significance of the opportunity,” Douglas-Smith added. “Ultimately, this work will be instrumental in refining hydrogen fuel cell systems to meet aviation safety standards and accelerate their certification. We’re proud of our role in the project, which helps keep the UK a world-leader in hydrogen propulsion.”
Source: Intelligent Energy Limited