Tuesday 10 November 2020

Hydrogen-powered electric delivery jet secures share of £7m government funding

A pilot project to deliver goods between Bristol and Cardiff using a hydrogen-powered electric aircraft has secured a share of £7 million of government funding.

The grant is part of a £33.5 million investment for aviation projects that aim to solve global challenges including climate change.

The scheme will also support a London-based firm which focuses on technology that would allow zero carbon short-haul flights and a company in Norfolk, which will integrate electric propulsion into existing jets to enable the development of small electric aircraft.

A project that will develop drones capable of delivering Covid-19 medical supplies has also been backed.

Business and Industry Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: "As the UK leads the way in the aviation revolution, these bold proposals showcase the pioneering spirit of the UK’s aerospace and aviation industries in solving global issues, and those facing us here in the UK."

Transport Minister Rachel Maclean commented: "Innovation delivers real change and our support for dynamic ideas in this exciting sector means we are now seeing real-life solutions, like the drone delivery of Covid-19 medical supplies, for challenges such as public health and climate change."