The Civil Aviation Authority is setting up an expert working group on the development of hydrogen as a ‘green’ fuel for aviation.
The Hydrogen Working Group (H2Wo) is aimed to ensure the development and implementation of the ‘Hydrogen Challenge’ launched by the CAA last year to foster collaboration between the industry and academia to understand the challenges of using hydrogen as a fuel.
The group will bring together experts to work on the introduction of hydrogen as an aviation fuel and aim to enhance collaboration between government, industry, academia and community stakeholders to improve how it is developed.
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In an announcement to coincide with the Farnborough International Airshow, the CAA pledged to “work at pace” to enable the safe testing, handling and use of hydrogen “as one of the ways for the aviation industry to achieve ‘net zero’”.
It said the group would focus on the use of hydrogen to power aircraft, the certification of aircraft using hydrogen as a fuel, and the infrastructure needed at airports to facilitate its use.
Sophie O’Sullivan, CAA head of future safety and innovation, said: “Introducing hydrogen as an aviation fuel is a critical step towards the achievement of zero-emission flight.
“This is why we’ve been working to encourage development and safe experimentation in the sector, ensuring the UK continues to move towards a future with a greener, safer aviation industry.
“Launching the H2Wo is an important link in this chain.”
Applications to join the group opened today July 23 and will close on September 5.
The CAA launched the Hydrogen Challenge in 2023 after the government awarded it a grant of £939,000 via the Regulators’ Pioneer Fund which enables local authorities and regulators to encourage innovation and investment.
Speaking at the Airshow on Monday, CAA chairman Sir Stephen Hillier said: “New forms of propulsion such as hydrogen and electric need to be accelerated.
“We’re playing a leading role in fostering an environment where innovation can flourish while ensuring the highest levels of safety and security.”
Meanwhile, Airbus is to collaborate with aircraft leasing firm Avolon to study the potential of hydrogen-powered aircraft.
Airbus and Avolon will investigate how future hydrogen-powered aircraft could be financed and commercialised, and how they might be supported by the leasing business model.
Airbus is putting “significant resources” into exploring how the industry can introduce hydrogen-powered aircraft and how it works on the ground with airports and airlines.
“The development of a viable hydrogen ecosystem is a key enabler of the industry’s goal to reach near zero emissions,” the European manufacturer said.