ZeroAvia has been chosen as one of three companies to spearhead the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) Hydrogen Challenge Sandbox initiative.
Launched by the UK CAA in November 2023, the Hydrogen Challenge seeks to harness the potential of hydrogen as a zero-carbon emission aviation fuel, aligning with the government’s ambitious Jet Zero Strategy and the CAA’s sustainability agenda. With nearly £940,000 in funding from the Regulators’ Pioneer Fund, overseen by the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, the Hydrogen Challenge represents a crucial step towards decarbonizing the aviation sector.
The Regulatory Sandbox approach employed by the Hydrogen Challenge allows for proactive engagement with industry stakeholders, ensuring that regulatory frameworks evolve in tandem with technological advancements. By providing Sandbox services before the commencement of regulatory certification processes, the initiative accelerates the deployment of innovative hydrogen propulsion systems, paving the way for a greener future in aviation.
ZeroAvia’s pioneering work in developing hydrogen-electric engines for aircraft positions the company as a frontrunner in the Hydrogen Challenge. Having already conducted successful test flights of a prototype system in a Dornier 228 testbed under CAA oversight, ZeroAvia is poised to certify its first 600kW engine, ZA600. Collaborating with the UK CAA, ZeroAvia will identify and address safety hazards and regulatory hurdles associated with retrofitting hydrogen-electric powertrains, advancing the industry’s transition towards sustainable aviation.
In addition to ZeroAvia’s involvement, the Hydrogen Challenge will address various aspects of aviation sustainability, including the reduction of environmental impacts during aircraft turnarounds at Exeter Airport.
