Researchers demonstrate hydrogen as a viable aviation fuel

A modified Pearl 15 engine. Credit: Rolls-Royce plc 2026

Researchers from Swansea University are celebrating their role in a major aviation milestone following the successful completion of a four-year international program led by Rolls-Royce and easyJet to demonstrate hydrogen as a viable aviation fuel. The program has culminated in a world-first achievement: a modern aero engine running on 100% hydrogen at full takeoff power, proving the potential of hydrogen to play a transformative role in future zero-carbon aviation.

Swansea University provided critical materials data to support the development of hydrogen-fueled gas turbines as a core partner in the HYEST (Hydrogen Engine System Technologies) initiative.

As part of the project, Swansea's Institute of Structural Materials (ISM) established new world-class mechanical testing capabilities in two areas previously unexplored by the research group:

cryogenic temperatures