The test took place at the UK Ministry of Defense’s outdoor testing facility in Boscombe Down, UK, using a converted Rolls-Royce AE 2100-A regional jet engine. Green hydrogen for testing supplied by EMEC (European Marine Energy Center). It is generated using renewable energy from their hydrogen production and tidal testing facilities.
EasyJet announced in September that it would be investing billions to reduce CO2 emissions. Hydrogen technology is sure to reduce these emissions by nearly 80 percent by 2050. easyJet will also invest 21 billion euros in new, more economical and quieter aircraft in the coming years.
Earlier this year, European aircraft manufacturer Airbus announced it would test a hydrogen engine, in collaboration with French-American engine manufacturer CFM International. American competitor Boeing is placing more emphasis on flying the more sustainable jet-fueled SAF.
KLM also wants to reduce CO2 emissions with SAF, about 75 percent compared to fossil kerosene. Since this year, the airline has added a small amount of SAF to the fuel system for every flight departing from Schiphol. Since SAF is not yet available in large quantities and thus much more expensive than kerosene, flying with 100 percent SAF is not yet possible, KLM said on its website.
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