Rolls-Royce and easyJet set world first with successful hydrogen engine run

Rolls-Royce and easyJet have confirmed a world first run of a Rolls-Royce AE 2100-A regional aircraft engine using hydrogen.  

The ground test was performed on this early concept demonstrator, and took place at an outdoor test facility at MoD Boscombe Down, and was the green hydrogen used was created by wind and tidal power. Following this early concept ground test, the partnership plans a series of further rig tests leading up to a full-scale ground test of a Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 jet engine.

Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, said: “This is a real success for our partnership team. We are committed to continuing to support this ground-breaking research because hydrogen offers great possibilities for a range of aircraft, including easyJet-sized aircraft.

Grazia Vittadini, Chief Technology Officer, Rolls-Royce, said: “The success of this hydrogen test is an exciting milestone. We only announced our partnership with easyJet in July and we are already off to an incredible start with this landmark achievement.

The partnership is inspired by the global, UN-backed Race to Zero campaign that both companies have signed up to, committing to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.