Rolls-Royce - EasyJet: First hydrogen aircraft engine tested

Reports indicate that Rolls-Royce has partnered with EasyJet for the first time to successfully test an advanced hydrogen-powered aircraft engine. The first ground tests were conducted at the British air base at Boscombe Down in the Orkney Islands in Scotland, using hydrogen generated from wind and tidal energy.

The hydrogen is provided by the European Marine Energy Center (EMEC). Rolls-Royce and EasyJet used a converted AE 2100-A aircraft engine for the test, which is widely used in regional jets around the world.

Analysts warn that a complete switch to clean fuel would require redesigning aircraft and airport infrastructure.

It is claimed that the companies' main goal is to prove that civilian aircraft engines can be safely and efficiently used on hydrogen fuel.EasyJet CEO Johan Lundgren said they are ready to continue this research and are planning another series of aerial tests.

The company partnership was inspired by the UN-backed global program Race to Zero, which the two companies have joined. The Race to zero campaign aims to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050.

P.S. Aircraft manufacturer Airbus is also working in this area and announced in February that it plans to build a small passenger jet powered by hydrogen. However, in 2021, the manufacturer notified the EU administration that most aircraft will continue to fly using traditional jet engines until at least 2050.