The University of Manchester Advances Zero-Emission Hydrogen Aviation
The University of Manchester is part of a UK-led consortium propelling the aviation industry towards a zero-emissions future with cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell technologies, in line with the UK鈥檚 low-carbon energy transition.
Led by GKN Aerospace, the consortium includes experts from The University of Manchester, the University of Birmingham, Newcastle University, and the University of Nottingham, working in collaboration with industry partners Parker-Meggitt, Intelligent Energy, Aeristech, and the Aerospace Technology Institute. Together, we鈥檙e addressing the technical challenges of delivering hydrogen-fuelled regional and sub-regional aircraft, which emit only water vapour.
Aviation is a major contributor to climate change, responsible for around 7% of the UK鈥檚 greenhouse gas emissions. In 2022 alone, the UK aviation sector emitted the equivalent of 30 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO鈧�). Transitioning to hydrogen-powered flight, which emits zero CO鈧� and NOx, is seen as critical to reducing the sector鈥檚 environmental footprint.
The collaborative research is being delivered through three projects:
- H2GEAR 鈥� A 拢54 million programme developing hydrogen-fuelled, cryogenically cooled, all-electric aircraft for short-haul flights.
- HyFIVE 鈥� Backed by 拢40 million, this project focuses on scalable liquid hydrogen fuel system technologies.
- H2flyGHT 鈥� A 拢44 million initiative to scale hydrogen-powered aircraft technologies to support larger, commercial-scale aircraft.
At the core of these innovations are hydrogen fuel cells that generate electricity from cold, liquid hydrogen without combustion. Unlike rocket engines that burn hydrogen, these systems convert hydrogen鈥檚 flow into electric power, offering a quieter, cleaner and more efficient means of propulsion.
A crucial aspect of the H2GEAR programme is being led by The University of Manchester, where Professor Sandy Smith and his team are pioneering the use of cryogenic cooling to increase energy efficiency. Their research leverages the extreme cold of liquid hydrogen (below -250掳C) to supercool electrical components (below -200掳C), significantly reducing electrical resistance. This results in hyperconducting systems, capable of powering electric propulsion motors with over 99% efficiency. Unlike superconductors, which rely on exotic materials and complex conditions, hyperconducting systems use more conventional conductors to deliver superior performance more rapidly and cost-effectively.
Russ Dunn, Chief Technology Officer at GKN Aerospace, said: 鈥淗ydrogen-powered aircraft offer a clear route to keep the world connected, with dramatically cleaner skies. The UK is at the forefront of this technology, and the H2GEAR project is an example of industry, academia and Government collaboration at its best.鈥�
Launched in 2020 with support from the Aerospace Technology Institute and industrial partners, the H2GEAR programme is set to conclude in 2025. A small-scale demonstrator of the hydrogen-powered propulsion motor is currently undergoing testing at The University of Manchester, with full integration of hyperconducting electric systems projected for as early as 2035.
The UK Hydrogen Alliance estimates that hydrogen-powered aviation could contribute over 拢30 billion annually to the UK aerospace sector. With this collaborative research leading the way, the UK is set to become a global leader in sustainable aviation innovation.