EAG and University of Nottingham work on hydrogen aircraft applications

The Electric Aviation Group (EAG) and the University of Nottingham have announced their intention to form Hydrogen Hybrid Electric Propulsion Systems (H2EPS), a joint venture that will develop and commercialize superconducting and non-superconducting kW-MW class electric propulsion systems for aerospace and non-aerospace applications.

H2EPS Ltd’s initial focus will be on developing and commercializing 2 Megawatt-class electric propulsion systems for future hybrid, all-electric, and hydrogen-electric aircraft applications, with the goal of speeding up the aviation industry’s decarbonisation.

EAG will deliver the world’s first true zero-emissions 90-seater hydrogen hybrid-electric regional aircraft (zero CO2 and NOx emissions) (H2ERA). The key enabling technologies for H2ERA are being developed in collaboration with world-class industrial, academic, and financial partners. Falko and CityJet have both recently invested in EAG. EAG recently signed a collaboration agreement with Atkins, an SNC-Lavalin Group company with multi-layered strategic business and technical capabilities to support the development of unique and proprietary Future Flight technologies.

The University of Nottingham has demonstrated aircraft propulsion drive systems up to 4MW/5MVA and has world-leading capabilities and facilities in power electronics and electrical machines for aerospace applications.

H2EPS Ltd will be formed by combining EAG and the University’s complementary capabilities and intellectual property in order to develop and commercialize electric propulsion systems products and services. UoN will provide cutting-edge electric propulsion research expertise, capability, and experience, while EAG will provide access to a commercially viable aircraft program and business leadership.

Kamran Iqbal, Founder and CEO of EAG, stated, “EAG is extremely pleased to enter into this partnership with The University of Nottingham. We need to develop technologies and aircraft platforms at the right size and scale to make a meaningful impact to the environment. The JV’s focus on 2MW-class electric propulsion system development is a step in the right direction which will contribute substantially to solve the decarbonisation and mass air transportation challenges simultaneously.”

Professor Dame Jessica Corner, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research & Knowledge Exchange at the University of Nottingham, said, “The University of Nottingham has world leading expertise in Electric Propulsion Systems Development, and this partnership is a great opportunity for UoN to deliver long-standing impact that demonstrates our commitment to developing technologies for environmental sustainability by developing and commercialising products with the potential of creating wider societal benefits, decarbonising the aviation sector and creating world-leading electric propulsion capabilities in the UK.”

“We truly believe in the sustainability of the aviation sector,” said James Greenstreet, EVP and Founder of Falko, “And fully endorse this partnership between EAG and UoN to deliver electric propulsion systems that will accelerate the greening of aviation.”

Julian Fielden-Page, Atkins Market Director Future Flight said, “EAG is a high-profile disruptor at the forefront of driving innovation in net zero aerospace. It is really exciting that EAG is progressing the achievement of their vision through this partnership with the University of Nottingham.”