Intelligent power management company Eaton today announced its participation in the HYLENA Research & Development project. Running until 2027 and co-funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe program, this initiative aims to develop a groundbreaking hydrogen-powered electric propulsion system that will unlock more efficient, compact, and CO2 emissions free flights aircraft.

Producing up to 3% of global carbon emissions, commercial aviation is a major focus in the EU’s plan to achieve a 90% reduction in transport-related emissions by 2050. Novel engine systems will be essential to phase out fossil fuels and drive industry-wide decarbonization. Hydrogen-electric propulsion stands out as a promising solution, offering the potential for a radical increase in aircraft performance and efficiency.

Led by Airbus, the HYLENA consortium unites seven leading partners with deep expertise in aircraft design. Alongside Eaton, the consortium includes Delft University of Technology, Leibniz University Hannover, Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble, German Aerospace Center and Bauhaus Luftfahrt. Together, the partners will design and validate a game-changing propulsion system that integrates Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) with turbomachinery.

The Hybrid system will feature an electric motor for propulsion, hydrogen-fueled SOFC stacks, and a gas turbine. This innovative combination promises significantly higher efficiency and performance than current turbofan engines.

“With air traffic rising fast, developing more sustainable and efficient propulsion systems is a critical challenge to mitigate climate change,” comments Pavel Hladík, energy systems specialist, Eaton Research Labs. “HYLENA aims to drive a huge leap forward in clean aviation and we’re very excited to contribute our power distribution expertise. The project addresses key challenges of hybrid hydrogen-electric propulsion systems—such as power management and integration—paving the way for enabling CO2 emissions free flights short- and medium-range aircraft.”

Led by Eaton Research Labs in the Czech Republic, Eaton will contribute with advanced electrical distribution concepts to the HYLENA project. Spanning intelligent switching, selective protection, motor control, and recovery-from-failure capabilities, these concepts will enable safer and more reliable hydrogen-electric aircraft.

“We’re very proud to support Airbus on the HYLENA project and to work with so many expert partners,” adds Jörgen Von Bodenhausen, director of government programs, Eaton. “Collaborating with world-class companies and academic institutions brings invaluable learning opportunities for our team and acts as a force multiplier for our own R&D efforts. We look forward to creating many more such partnerships to drive transformative innovation, commercialize new technologies, and accelerate a sustainable future.”