Loughborough, UK-based Intelligent Energy has won a contract with the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority to help test and devise standards for hydrogen-electric aircraft.
Intelligent Energy (IE) will help the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) develop the safety and certification standards for fuel cell-based propulsion systems for aircraft, ensuring their compliance with regulations for commercial use.
The work is part of the UK Hydrogen Challenge program, which includes trials that will run for three years. The UK Hydrogen Challenge, which was launched in 2024 aims to prepare the aerospace industry for use of hydrogen as a zero-carbon aviation fuel.
IE’s involvement is part of an expansion of the Hydrogen Challenge that was first announced at the beginning of February.
Although Airbus recently scaled back its hydrogen-electric R&D and pushed back the first flight date for a hydrogen fuel cell aircraft, several companies are still pursuing the use of the technology for smaller light aircraft this decade.
IE, which was founded in 2008 and already supplies power systems to other sectors, launched its 300kW IE-FLIGHT 300 (F300) fuel cell for the aviation market last July.
According to IE, the F300 is suitable for use in Part 23 aircraft of up to 19 seats and eVTOL aircraft. First deliveries of the F300 are planned to start in 2027.
Jonathan Douglas-Smith, head of business development for IE-FLIGHT at Intelligent Energy said, “Achieving zero-emission aviation requires more than just technological breakthroughs – it demands close collaboration between innovators and regulators.
“With our expertise in fuel cell design, manufacturing and real-world applications, we are positioned to bridge this gap. Our involvement in the UK Hydrogen Challenge keeps us at the forefront of zero-emission aviation while also shaping the future regulatory landscape for sustainable flight.
“Ultimately, this work will be instrumental in refining hydrogen fuel cell systems to meet aviation safety standards and accelerate their certification.”
