On the occasion of its twentieth anniversary, the low-cost airline launches the idea of building the world's first hydrogen-powered aircraft, to reduce emissions and consumption.
That hydrogen technology is no longer just a buzzword is becoming clear from the latest projects and models presented by the major car manufacturers. But the hydrogen-powered aircraft was still missing from the picture. EasyJet has taken care of that: from Venice, one of the airport hubs the airline will be focusing on most in the coming years, it has unveiled one of its projects aimed at reducing emissions and fuel consumption.
On the occasion of its twentieth anniversary, the company announced its intention to work on the development of a hybrid hydrogen aircraft, equipped with fuel cells that will assist the aircraft during landing and taxiing.
For the project, the company has enlisted the collaboration of Cranfield University, which specialises in research and education in the fields of management and technology. "Cranfield is a university specialising in postgraduate training programmes and in providing its students with advanced education and research opportunities with practical applications. We are internationally recognised for our ability to respond to the needs of businesses, governments and society at large," said Professor Craig Lawson, a lecturer at the university.
"Our students have put forward some stimulating ideas about their vision of the aviation industry in 2035, through the The Future of Flight competition, presenting environmental solutions, operational improvements and ideas to enhance the consumer experience, and we look forward to developing this project further."
Thanks to the collaboration with the university, which will last approximately three years, it may be possible to produce the first prototypes. The airline itself also confirms that "a preliminary test is already scheduled for this year".
According to a press release issued by EasyJet, the technology "is based on the use of a hydrogen fuel cell, positioned in the aircraft's hold." The system employed would make it possible "to store energy when the aircraft brakes during landing, which is then used to recharge the system's ultralight batteries" — much as the energy recovery system used in Formula 1 cars works.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgIzu3MBu5w
"The aircraft," the company continues, "can use the stored energy without needing to engage the engines — for example, during taxiing." This would result in a saving of 50,000 tonnes of fuel (though it is not entirely clear over what period of time).
The fact remains that the news is certainly noteworthy, as it raises the bar considerably for the development of new technologies dedicated to sustainable mobility — the kind that will in all likelihood be crossing the skies in the decades to come.