Rolls-Royce, easyJet conduct ground aero engine tests with green hydrogen

Rolls-Royce Holdings (LON:RR) and easyJet (LON:EZJ) today said they have conducted ground engine tests to mark the world’s first run of a modern aero engine on hydrogen.

The test used a converted Rolls-Royce AE 2100-A regional aircraft engine. The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) provided green hydrogen for the exercise. The green fuel was produced at EMEC’s hydrogen production and tidal test facility on Eday in the Orkney Islands, using wind and tidal power.

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After analysing the results of this early concept ground test, Rolls-Royce and easyJet plan more rig tests and eventually a full-scale ground test of a Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 jet engine.

“We are pushing the boundaries to discover the zero carbon possibilities of hydrogen, which could help reshape the future of flight,” said Rolls-Royce chief technology officer Grazia Vittadini.