SASSENAGE, France - Safran and Air Liquide, both in Paris and Turbotech in Toussus-le-Noble - all in France - announced the completion of a ground demonstration of a hydrogen-fueled gas turbine aeroengine which took place this fall. The engine operates on a highly efficient regenerative cycle and uses liquid hydrogen stored in a cryogenic tank.
The test followed an earlier phase in January 2024, during which the engine was fueled by gaseous hydrogen for initial characterization. This second phase integrated a cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage system, developed by Air Liquide, with the turbine to replicate the complete functionality of an aircraft propulsion system.
"This is a major step forward in the transition to fully decarbonized aircraft propulsion, which will be ready to fly as soon as the world mass-produces green hydrogen," said Damien Fauvet, CEO of Turbotech. "The aim of this work was to achieve a similar energy density to conventional Avgas or Jet A-1 fuel systems while addressing the challenges of retrofitting, operability, and certification for cryogenic hydrogen propulsion. This project’s success is thanks to a remarkable team effort."
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Pierre-Alain Lambert, Safran's Vice President of Hydrogen Programs, emphasized the significance of the collaboration. "By coupling our technology to Air Liquide’s cryogenic storage system, which provides the energy density needed for aircraft applications, we’ve demonstrated that a complete high-tech propulsion solution with zero carbon emissions in flight is possible and can be integrated into light aircraft," Lambert said.
Xavier Traversac, Air Liquide’s Vice President of Advanced Technologies, highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing hydrogen technology. "Decarbonization calls for close collaboration between industry players. We’re proud to contribute as experts in hydrogen technologies and to accelerate innovation through our Grenoble Technologies Campus. Hydrogen is a key element in the energy transition, and this success is a step toward low-carbon flying," Traversac said.
The testing is part of the BeautHyFuel joint research project, established in June 2022 by Turbotech, Safran, Air Liquide, Elixir Aviation, and Daher. The project aims to design and test a hydrogen propulsion system for light aircraft and develop a certification methodology for retrofit applications.
