Milestone Achievement: Successful Testing of Hydrogen-Fueled Gas Turbine Aeroengine
Key Ideas
- Turbotech, Safran, and Air Liquide completed ground demonstration testing of a hydrogen-fueled gas turbine aeroengine using a regenerative cycle fed by liquid hydrogen.
- The successful test phase showcased the integration of a propulsion system replicating aircraft functions with zero carbon emissions in flight.
- This milestone project signifies a significant advancement in hydrogen propulsion for commercial aviation with the potential for low-carbon flying.
In September 2024, Turbotech, Safran, and Air Liquide achieved a milestone by completing ground demonstration testing of a hydrogen-fueled gas turbine aeroengine. The testing utilized an ultra-efficient regenerative cycle and liquid hydrogen storage. This phase followed an initial test using gaseous hydrogen fuel in January 2024. The project's success was highlighted by Pierre-Alain Lambert, Safran's VP Hydrogen Programs, emphasizing the integration of technology with Air Liquide's cryogenic storage system to enable zero carbon emissions in flight and direct integration into light aircraft. Xavier Traversac, VP of Air Liquide Advanced Technologies, emphasized the importance of collaboration in decarbonization efforts, stating hydrogen's role in the energy transition. The test endpoints towards a comprehensive propulsion solution for commercial aviation, showcasing the viability of low-carbon flying and the advancements in hydrogen propulsion technology.