Canada Invests in Hydrogen-Fueled Aviation Technology
Key Ideas
- Pratt & Whitney Canada is leading a project to evaluate hydrogen as fuel for a PW127XT turboprop with support from the Canadian government.
- The Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology is overseeing five clean-aviation-technology development projects, including hydrogen-fueled engines.
- Partnerships with companies like Next Hydrogen Solutions aim to develop key technologies for future hydrogen-powered aircraft.
- The Canadian government's investment of C$28 million in these projects signals a commitment to green industrial transformation in the aerospace sector.
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is collaborating on a project to assess the viability of hydrogen as fuel for a PW127XT turboprop, supported by a C$28 million investment from the Canadian government. This initiative is part of five newly launched clean-aviation-technology projects overseen by the Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology. The project includes phases for fuel nozzle and combustor rig testing using hydrogen, with plans for full engine ground testing in the future. P&WC has teamed up with Next Hydrogen Solutions to develop efficient and cost-effective electrolysers for hydrogen production infrastructure. The effort aims to advance hydrogen-powered aircraft technology, particularly in regional aviation. Other projects within the initiative include research on hot-section engine components, hydrogen storage solutions, all-electric aircraft modification, and electric-powered jet development. The total investment in these projects amounts to C$101 million, with a significant portion coming from government aid. The Canadian government's focus on green industrial transformation in aerospace underscores the commitment to sustainable development in the aviation sector.