Government backs Brunel collaboration to design zero-carbon engines for planes, ships and trucks
Brunel University of London is leading a multimillion pound drive to develop net-zero emissions, affordable ultra-efficient hydrogen-powered engines.
While electric engines help cars support the UK’s net-zero carbon emissions goal, they don’t suit bigger heavy lorries, ships, aircraft, or machines used in farming and building. For these harder-to-decarbonise sectors as a key clean energy solution is hydrogen.
Backed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the three-year project teams Brunel’s world-class hydrogen engine research with rotary engine specialists Advanced Innovative Engineering (AIE) Ltd and engineering consultants MAHLE Powertrain Ltd.
“This partnership represents a major step forward in advancing clean propulsion technologies for heavy-duty vehicles, marine vessels, aerospace applications and power generation,” said Professor Hua Zhao, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research.
“As the first university in the UK to establish dedicated hydrogen engine research facilities, we are proud to collaborate with AIE and MAHLE Powertrain on the development of high-efficiency hydrogen rotary and piston engines.”
The science and technology funding body’s £1.3 million award announced today is matched with investment from AIE and MAHLE Powertrain. The funding is part of UKRI’s wider Prosperity Partnerships scheme, aimed to boost business-university collaborations tackling big industrial challenges. Brunel’s venture is one of 23 Prosperity Partnership projects across the UK awarded more than £97 million to accelerate technologies from battery design to cyber defence.
Science Minister, Lord Vallance said: “These partnerships show the range of real-world challenges the UK’s world-class research base is helping to tackle — from cutting carbon emissions in heavy transport, to improving access to life-saving medicines.
“By backing scientists to work hand-in-hand with industry, we’re combining cutting-edge research with business expertise to turn science into practical solutions that can make a difference in people’s daily lives.”