Thursday 14 October 2021
Rolls-Royce has signed a memorandum of understanding with the German state of Brandenburg to advance research and development of hybrid-electric propulsion systems for the next generation of aviation.
The project will be supported by funding from the Structural Strengthening Act, the federal government's aeronautics research programme and other state funds.
Rolls-Royce and the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labour and Energy Brandenburg (MWAE) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) have agreed to establish facilities for development, testing and production, creating an industrial ecosystem for hybrid-electric propulsion systems in Dahlewitz and the Lusatia region.
Within the new programme, Rolls-Royce Deutschland has opened an operating facility in Cottbus and plans to expand its research and development capabilities in Dahlewitz.
Rob Watson, Director Rolls-Royce Electrical said: “The race to net zero in aviation is both vitally important and one of the most extreme technological challenges there is. The long term and increasing support of the German Government for aerospace technology is a crucial enabler for Rolls-Royce to meet our commitments to sustainable power and net zero by 2050.
“Building on the advanced capabilities of our electrical team in Bavaria, the establishment of development, testing and production facilities in Dahlewitz and the Lusatia region will enable Rolls-Royce to deliver hybrid-electric propulsion systems for the next generation of aviation.”