Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has expanded its partnership with Rolls-Royce, aimed at advancing sustainable aviation initiatives. The collaboration will focus on researching hydrogen fuel system technology, which holds potential as a zero-carbon aviation fuel of the future.
The partnership between TCS and Rolls-Royce will tackle three key challenges in enabling hydrogen for aviation: fuel combustion, fuel delivery, and fuel system integration with an engine. All these elements need to be validated for safe operation. TCS will provide engineering skills and support to address these challenges, highlighting its commitment to driving sustainable transformation across industries.
Industry Benchmarks and Progress
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has set targets for net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Rolls-Royce’s Director of Research and Technology, Alan Newby, expressed confidence in TCS’s contribution, stating that their engineering skills will be valuable in addressing technology goals. This expanded partnership was announced at the Farnborough International Airshow, where TCS showcased its technological prowess in the aviation industry.
Long-Standing Relationship
TCS has a long-standing relationship with Rolls-Royce and the Tata Group, including engine development and supply chain commitments. Since 2010, TCS has supported Rolls-Royce in various areas such as design, manufacturing engineering, control systems, software, and IT services, covering major civil and business aviation programs and the end-to-end product development lifecycle.
Sustainability Goals
TCS aims to harness technology for positive societal impact, aligning with Rolls-Royce’s ambition for a greener future. The company offers more than 200 sustainability solutions, aiding global customers in their sustainability journeys. In 2021, TCS set a goal to reduce absolute emissions by 70% across Scope 1 and Scope 2 by 2025 from a 2016 baseline and achieve net zero by 2030. By FY24, TCS had already reduced its absolute carbon footprint by 80%, exceeding its target one year ahead of time.
Critical Perspective
While the partnership between TCS and Rolls-Royce is a step forward in sustainable aviation, it is essential to examine the challenges and uncertainties associated with hydrogen fuel systems. Hydrogen technology is still in the research and development phase, and its integration into aviation requires significant advancements in fuel combustion, delivery, and system integration.
Comparing these efforts with industry benchmarks, the collaboration’s success will depend on overcoming technical and safety challenges. The ambitious targets set by IATA and individual companies like TCS and Rolls-Royce highlight the aviation industry’s urgency to transition to sustainable practices. However, achieving these goals requires continuous innovation, rigorous testing, and validation to ensure the safe and efficient use of hydrogen as an aviation fuel.
