‘Guilt-free’ flights the goal of Government investment in zero emission aviation tech

‘Guilt-free’ flights the goal of Government investment in zero emission aviation tech

Source: https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1732478/guilt-free-flights-zero-carbon-emissions-113m-funding-rolls-royce-vertical-aerospace

Author: IAN RANDALL

The UK Government and industry are investing a combined £113million in all-electric and hydrogen powered aviation technologies to “unlock zero emission guilt-free flights”. The funding, which was revealed yesterday by the Business and Transport Secretaries, will be delivered via the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme. The announcement came alongside a call from the Department of Transport for industry views on how to reach the “Jet Zero Strategy” target for airport operations in England to be zero emissions by 2040. Projects to be suppod with the recently announced funds include Rolls-Royce’s efforts to develop the basic building blocks of a liquid-hydrogen burning jet engine — which would enable flights without carbon emissions. Bristol-based electric aircraft manufacturer Vertical Aerospace, meanwhile, will receive a grant to help it develop high-end, lightweight batteries for use in small aircraft. Vertical Aerospace CEO Stephen Fitzpatrick said: “We are pioneering the most advanced electric aircraft in the world, right here in the UK. “We are absolutely delighted to co-invest with the Government in developing the lightweight, high-performance, and safe batteries we need to make zero carbon flight a reality. “In the race to Net Zero, the ATI Programme is delivering a huge opportunity for the Government and industry to come together to create world-leading, British technologies and build British expertise.”