Wednesday, 22 December 2021
The Electric Aviation Group (EAG) and the University of Nottingham have confirmed their intention to create Hydrogen Hybrid Electric Propulsion Systems (H2EPS) Ltd.; a Joint Venture to develop and commercialise kW-MW class electric propulsion systems (superconducting and non-superconducting) for aerospace and non-aerospace applications.
H2EPS Ltd will initially be focused on developing and commercialising 2 Megawatt-class electric propulsion systems for future hybrid, all-electric and hydrogen-electric aircraft applications with the mission of fast-tracking the decarbonisation of the aviation sector.
EAG will deliver the world’s first true zero (i.e. zero Carbon and NOx emissions) 90-seater hydrogen hybrid-electric regional aircraft (H2ERA). H2ERA’s key enabling technologies are being developed through best in class industrial, academic and financial partnerships. EAG has recently secured investments from Falko and CityJet. EAG has also recently signed a collaboration agreement with Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, which has multi-layered strategic business and technical capabilities to support development of unique and proprietary Future Flight technologies.
The University of Nottingham has world-leading capabilities and facilities in power electronics and electrical machines for aerospace applications and has previously demonstrated aircraft propulsion drive systems up to 4MW/5MVA.
When formed, H2EPS Ltd will combine EAG and the University’s unique complementary capabilities and intellectual property to develop and commercialise electric propulsion systems products and services. EAG will provide access to a commercially viable aircraft programme and business leadership, while UoN will provide cutting-edge electric propulsion research expertise, capability and experience.
Kamran Iqbal, Founder and CEO of EAG, stated, “EAG is extremely pleased to enter into this partnership with The University of Nottingham. We need to develop technologies and aircraft platforms at the right size and scale to make a meaningful impact to the environment. The JV’s focus on 2MW-class electric propulsion system development is a step in the right direction which will contribute substantially to solve the decarbonisation and mass air transportation challenges simultaneously.”
Professor Dame Jessica Corner, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research & Knowledge Exchange at the University of Nottingham, said, “The University of Nottingham has world leading expertise in Electric Propulsion Systems Development, and this partnership is a great opportunity for UoN to deliver long-standing impact that demonstrates our commitment to developing technologies for environmental sustainability by developing and commercialising products with the potential of creating wider societal benefits, decarbonising the aviation sector and creating world-leading electric propulsion capabilities in the UK.”
“We truly believe in the sustainability of the aviation sector,” said James Greenstreet, EVP and Founder of Falko, “And fully endorse this partnership between EAG and UoN to deliver electric propulsion systems that will accelerate the greening of aviation.”
Julian Fielden-Page, Atkins Market Director Future Flight said, “EAG is a high-profile disruptor at the forefront of driving innovation in net zero aerospace. It is really exciting that EAG is progressing the achievement of their vision through this partnership with the University of Nottingham."
Story credits
More information is available from Professor Pat Wheeler on pat.wheeler@nottingham.ac.uk or Emma Lowry, Media Relations Manager (Engineering) on 0115 84 67156 or emma.lowry@nottingham.ac.uk
For media queries, please contact EAG on press@electricaviationgroup.com
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
More news…