RABI HAMAMSAH (DUBAI)
As aviation is one of the fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change, a UK-based company is pioneering zero-emission flights with the aid of hydrogen-electric engines.
At its booth in the Startup Village at COP28, ZeroAvia is showcasing its solutions, focusing on developing a zero emission hydrogen-electric powertrain which delivers 300-500 mile zero emission missions in a 10-20 seat fixed wing aircraft.
This solution utilises existing infrastructure and simplifies regulatory issues. ZeroAvia has entered into a partnership with Masdar aimed at exploring hydrogen production and supply initiatives across North America, Europe, and the Gulf, specifically intended to support the refuelling of ZeroAvia’s emission-free aircraft, Dominic Weeks, Head of External Affairs & Marketing at ZeroAvia told Aletihad.
“The UAE aims to produce 1.4 million tonnes of hydrogen annually by 2031 and expects the figure to increase tenfold to 15 million by 2050, showing the scale of the country’s ambitions. Masdar is deeply committed to building the UAE’s green hydrogen economy and has signed and executed several global collaboration agreements with strategic partners in recent years,’’ Weeks added.
ZeroAvia’s participation in COP28 comes from efforts to promote sustainability and reach net-zero emissions in the aviation sector, Weeks said, noting that UAE’s COP28 is a chance to showcase their new technologies in cutting down emissions in the aviation sector.
‘’Our technologies will save the planet and cut costs for airliners and passengers. We are developing eco-friendly engines depending on hydrogen-electric powertrain which delivers 300-500 mile zero emission missions,’’ Weeks added.
ZeroAvia is working with some of the world’s largest energy companies to convene the provision of fuel for its airline operator customers, as early as 2025. The company is targeting refuelling onboard aircraft tanks for up to 90-seat aircraft at commercial airports by the end of this decade, according to the company.
With every such aircraft requiring up to 1 tonne of hydrogen per each short regional flight, even a small commercial airport can drive more than a hundred tonnes of demand daily. All this fuel can be produced via a zero-emission process using renewable electricity, according to ZeroAvia website.
‘’We need investment in renewable energy capacity to accelerate a future of truly clean flight for the entire industry, so we are delighted to be here in COP28 in this endeavour. Together, we are bringing the clean propulsion technology and the fuel to airlines to ensure that passengers can fly without any emissions and climate effects as soon as possible,’’ Weeks added.