CSIRO Stralis and CQUniversity have teamed up to revolutionize aviation by developing hydrogen-electric aircraft that aim to decarbonize the industry.
Stralis Aircraft is focused on creating long-range hydrogen-electric propulsion systems, with plans to produce these systems and aircraft in Queensland. This project, backed by the Regional University Industry Collaboration Program, seeks to design an efficient heat management system for high-temperature proton-exchange membrane fuel cells. This development will support integrating these fuel cells into Stralis’ hydrogen-powered aircraft.
The Queensland Government funds the RUIC Program, which CSIRO executes. It connects small and medium enterprises with regional universities for collaborative research efforts across the state. Stuart Johnstone, Chief Technical Officer and Co-founder of Stralis Aircraft, emphasized the importance of this partnership with CQUniversity in progressing their hydrogen-electric aviation plans. The collaboration aims to enhance their test capabilities and inform the development of the propulsion system.
Stralis plans to validate their hydrogen-electric propulsion technology by test flying a Bonanza A36 aircraft in Queensland late in 2025. They intend to demonstrate that aviation can be decarbonized, aiming for a successful flight from Gladstone to Brisbane.
CQUniversity’s involvement brings crucial expertise to the project. Dr. Michael Opolot, Senior Research Fellow for Hydrogen and Renewable Energy, highlighted the significance of industry-academia cooperation to accelerate innovation in industrial applications. Professor Jonathon Love, an expert in hydrogen technology, emphasized the university’s commitment to this significant project through their Centre for Hydrogen and Renewable Energy.
Besides their collaboration with CQUniversity, Stralis Aircraft is a member of the Hydrogen Flight Alliance. This group is focused on achieving Australia’s first commercial zero-emission hydrogen flight. Stralis and their partners are committed to leveraging innovation to transition the aviation industry to cleaner energy sources. Their efforts are part of a broader push to make hydrogen a key component in sustainable transportation.
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