LONDON – A Memorandum of Understanding, or MoU, has been signed between ZeroAvia and PowerCell which aims at pioneering the co-development and local manufacturing of aviation-focused fuel cell stacks.
Manufacturing will take place at ZeroAvia’s UK research and development facility. The company leads the world in the development of zero-emissions solutions for commercial aviation.
The MoU marks a new beginning for PowerCell Sweden AB, a pioneer in hydrogen fuel stack production, as they venture into the future of the aviation industry. Moreover, the joint development will witness a commitment to delivering at least 5,000 aviation-optimised Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM).
These are fuel cell stacks are slated for deliveries between 2024 and 2028. The MoU stems from the Swedish company establishing a UK presence, and they will work cooperatively with ZeroAvia’s manufacturing facilities. Both parties should settle the points stated on the MoU by the third quarter of this year.
The close relationship will allow one to witness the two companies working alongside each other to enhance and better ZeroAvia’s performance on its hydrogen-electric, zero-emission aviation engines. PowerCell wants to assemble the stacks to later integrate into ZeroAvia’s clean sheet prototype battery.
The Swedish battery company has been an important player in supplying low-temperature PEM or LTPEM fuel cells, which have always been an integral part of ZeroAvia’s engineering effort to become a world leader in sustainable aviation.
ZeroAvia has been leading the globe in developing a certifiable 600kW hydrogen-electric powertrain under the project name called HyFlyer II. The HyFlyer II is supported by the British Government under the ATI program.
Moreover, ZeroAvia has an ambitious plan to power 9-19 set commercial planes with flying capabilities of up to 300 nautical miles utilising its flagship ZA600 powertrains, with launching plans in 2024.
ZeroAvia, after numerous demonstrations of the 6-seat research and development prototype, is prepping for its big day: the inaugural test flight of the 600kW hydrogen-electric engine. The inaugural flight will also include the utilisation of PowerCell fuel stacks as part of the powertrain ecosystem.
ZeroAvia is also in an ambitious process of retrofitting a second Dornier 228 test aircraft in California, signifying the importance of sustainable aviation in North America.
ZeroAvia, Founder & CEO, Val Miftakhov said: “This MoU further cements ZeroAvia’s lead in the race to deliver true zero-emission engines for commercial flights. By co-locating this operation, we can ensure the full collaboration of both talented teams in tailoring hydrogen fuel cell stacks for aviation.”
“This will result in delivery of systems with the required power to enable electric aviation to achieve range and payload that is highly attractive to operators and airframe OEMs while eliminating emissions.”
CEO, PowerCell Sweden AB, Richard Berkling stated with excitement: “Working with ZeroAvia has been a core plank of our entry into the clean aviation market, which is a very large future market for fuel cell technology.”
“We are delighted to further formalize that partnership and to establish our first UK development presence, given our opportunities here across multiple sectors.”
“ZeroAvia’s mission is to deliver hydrogen-electric engines into every aircraft, having identified the technology as the most practical, economical, and farthest-reaching solution for reducing aviation’s climate change and clean air impacts.”
“Hydrogen-electric engines use hydrogen in fuel cells to generate electricity, which is then used to power electric motors to turn the aircraft’s propellers, with the only by-product being water.”
ZeroAvia has been mentioned many times as it is one of the worlds leading hydrogen-electric power train manufacturers. It has gained much attention and partners including PowerCell. ZeroAvia has also been in talks with regional airlines like Vancouver-based Harbour Air to develop an all-electric fleet.
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