Hydrogen energy specialist Protium is driving an ambitious project that could enable hydrogen-powered aircraft to take off from UK airports sooner than anticipated.
Project HEART is a collaborative R&D project part funded by the UK Research & Innovation Future Flight Challenge. It is facilitating end-to-end hydrogen infrastructure capable of safely fuelling hydrogen aircraft, while simultaneously showcasing the increasing feasibility of green hydrogen technology within aviation. The initiative will also help to shape future government policy in the sustainable aviation sector.
Protium has partnered with Haskel, the UK’s leading manufacturer of hydrogen compression systems; and Nel Hydrogen, the hydrogen generation and distribution specialist. The pivotal integration of Haskel's ultra-efficient hydrogen compression system with a Nel Hydrogen electrolyser – a UK deployment record of the largest molecule distribution at scale equipment for Nel – will deliver hydrogen to power fuel cell-electric propulsion aircraft in trials.
Project HEART is showcasing how hydrogen could very soon become a key part of aviation
Regional airport focus
Project HEART's initial focus lies in regional airports, where it is developing a refuelling solution catering to aircraft carrying nine to 19 passengers and a range of 500 miles. By harnessing sector-leading expertise and cutting-edge technology, the project is delivering a comprehensive solution that encompasses off-site hydrogen production, its transference to site, and refuelling of the fuel cell-electric propulsion aircraft via a mobile refueller.
“Project HEART is delivering cutting-edge R&D solutions, showcasing how hydrogen could very soon become a key part of aviation and an enabler for net-zero travel,” said Simon Masters, deputy director for the Future Flight Challenge. “We are delighted to be working with Protium, Haskel and other project partners to deliver this vital research, which is an important step towards the introduction of hydrogen for passenger aircraft operations.”
The hydrogen infrastructure will be installed at a hydrogen production site, called Pioneer 2, in South Wales. With production planned to start in mid-2024, Pioneer 2 will support both the Project HEART trials and hydrogen requirements from industry in the future. Pioneer 2 is owned and managed by Protium.
Project HEART is partially funded by the ISFC Future Flight Challenge (FFC) run by Innovate UK. The aim of the FFC competition is to develop and demonstrate integrated aviation systems enabling the introduction of new classes of electric and/or autonomous air vehicles. The FFC is a three-phase programme which started in 2019.
Image: Project HEART
