The first tests of the operation of a jet aircraft engine on hydrogen were carried out

Rolls-Royce and easyJet tested the performance of the classic Rolls-Royce AE-2100A jet engine, replacing the conventional

aviation fuel to hydrogen. The goal of the project is to show that it is possible to start and control a jet engine using green fuel.

Rolls-Royce AE-2100A gas turbine modelis widely used on regional aircraft around the world, the company notes. The tests are the company's first step in switching aviation from kerosene to environmentally friendly fuel, which will not require a large-scale modernization of the entire fleet.

easyJet said the company is consideringhydrogen as a key component to reduce emissions from short haul aviation. The company analyzed electric aircraft and concluded that this technology is still too underdeveloped to lift large commercial aircraft into the air.

Tests of engine operation using hydrogen fuel. Images: Rolls-Royce

The advantage of hydrogen over batteries is thatit delivers much more power per kilogram. The fuel used in the tests is green hydrogen produced at the European Marine Energy Centre. It is produced using electric current to separate water into its components. The necessary electricity is produced using wave and wind energy.

Company representatives note that the firsttesting is an important milestone for the development of green aviation, but there is a long way to go for the industrial application of technology. The tests were carried out to demonstrate the operation of the engine at low speeds, the engines will need to be upgraded to provide the necessary lift.

In addition, hydrogen, even in liquid form, weighsmuch more than kerosene, and therefore the aircraft themselves must be modified to lift a lot of weight. In addition, it is necessary to resolve all issues related to the safety of transportation of hydrogen fuel and environmentally friendly gas production. Although green hydrogen was used in the tests, most of this fuel is still produced from electricity obtained by burning fossil materials.

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