• Easyjet
    easyJet
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    U2/EZY (UK) | EC/EJU (Europe) | DS/EZS (Switzerland)
    Airline Type:
    Low-Cost Carrier
    Hub(s):
    Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Berlin Brandenburg Airport, Geneva Airport, London Gatwick Airport, London Luton Airport, Milan Malpensa Airport
    Year Founded:
    1995
    CEO:
    Johan Lundgren

easyJet and Rolls-Royce have announced a partnership to develop hydrogen combustion engine technology. As part of the H2ZERO partnership, the two companies will work together on a series of ground engine tests later this year. We explore everything you need to know below.

H2ZERO - developing hydrogen engines

Budget carrier easyJet has entered a new partnership with enginemaker Rolls-Royce to develop the potential of hydrogen combustion technology. The collaboration is inspired by the UN-backed Race to Zero campaign, which aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Under the H2ZERO project, easyJet and Rolls-Royce will begin testing a hydrogen combustion engine later this year with the goal of powering aircraft by the mid-2030s. The aim is to develop hydrogen technology capable of powering a broad range of aircraft, including narrowbodies.

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Photo: easyJet

Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, said,

"In order to achieve net zero by 2050, we have always said that radical action is needed to address aviation’s climate impact. That’s why today, we are so pleased to announce this partnership with Rolls-Royce. The technology that emerges from this programme has the potential to power easyJet-size aircraft, which is why we will also be making a multi-million-pound investment into this programme. In order to achieve decarbonization at scale, progress on the development of zero-emission technology for narrowbody aircraft is crucial. Together with Rolls-Royce, we look forward to leading the industry to tackle this challenge head-on."

Rolls-Royce will contribute its expertise in engine development and combustion systems, while easyJet will directly invest in the test program and offer its operational know-how to the project.

Both companies began researching the feasibility of hydrogen combustion in 2021, exploring infrastructure, market analysis, and regulatory obstacles. Additionally, Rolls-Royce has already started hydrogen combustion and fuel system rig tests with university partners Cranfield and Loughborough.

Engine tests this year

easyJet and Rolls-Royce will run an early concept ground test of a Rolls-Royce AE2100 engine in the UK this year, followed by a full-scale ground test of a Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 jet engine.

Several possible locations are being explored for the full-scale test, including the Rolls-Royce test facility in Mississippi, USA.

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A ground test using a Rolls-Royce AE2100 engine will take place later this year. Photo: Rolls-Royce

Grazia Vittadini, Chief Technology and Strategy Officer, Rolls-Royce, said,

"H2ZERO is a big step forward for Rolls-Royce and we are excited to be working with a partner that shares a desire to innovate and find new answers to aviation’s biggest challenges. We at Rolls-Royce want to be ready to pioneer sustainability with whatever the future requires, be it hydrogen, electric power, sustainable aviation fuel, or gas turbine efficiency. This agreement further inspires us to move forward."

It is important to note there is a difference between hydrogen internal combustion engines, which this partnership will explore, and hydrogen fuel cells. While fuel cells emit zero carbon, hydrogen combustion engines release trace amounts of CO2 along with nitrogen oxides.

Importantly, both technologies are far cleaner than conventional engines, but there are still significant concerns about their market viability. Simple Flying took a closer look at how a hydrogen combustion jet engine works earlier this year.

Simple Flying is at the Farnborough Airshow this week. For all the latest news from the show click here!

The latest easyJet sustainability partnership

easyJet has been one of the more proactive airlines when it comes to exploring renewable energy and other sustainability initiatives. In April, the airline formed a new partnership with GKN Aerospace to develop hydrogen combustion and fuel cell technology.

The carrier is also collaborating with US-based company Wright Electric to develop electric aircraft and has set a goal of cutting emissions by 35% by 2035.

Do you think we will see hydrogen-fueled aircraft on a commercial scale by the mid-2030s? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.