UK expands Hydrogen Challenge to accelerate zero-emission aviation

The extended initiative will support hydrogen propulsion testing, airport infrastructure upgrades and scientific research over the next three years.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has expanded its Hydrogen Challenge, launching a second phase to advance hydrogen-powered aviation. The initiative, designed to prepare the aerospace sector for hydrogen adoption, includes aircraft propulsion testing, airport infrastructure upgrades and scientific research into hydrogen’s potential as a zero-carbon fuel.

The next phase will focus on hydrogen-fuelled aircraft designs, infrastructure changes for safe hydrogen storage and refuelling and extensive flight trials to refine performance and regulatory requirements.

Participating UK-based companies and institutions include Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, Rolls-Royce, ZeroAvia and Oxford University. Projects range from testing hydrogen fuel cell systems on aircraft to exploring hydrogen combustion in gas turbines.

“These trials keep the UK on course to be a world leader in hydrogen propulsion,” says Tim Johnson, Director of Communications, Strategy and Policy at the UK Civil Aviation Authority. “We are working with some of the most innovative companies and minds to better understand this technology and how it might be introduced safely in the aerospace sector.”