Clean fuel provider Ryze has announced a partnership with innovative zero-emission aviation company ZeroAvia. The collaboration will involve supplying hydrogen for engine and flight testing at its UK base, Cotswold Airport.

Source: ZeroAvia

This agreement highlights the expanding infrastructure in the hydrogen sector, ensuring a consistent supply for essential transport, mobility, and industrial customers.

ZeroAvia, recognized as a top greentech company by Time Magazine, aims to revolutionize the future of flight with zero-emission hydrogen and electric aircraft propulsion technology. The focus is on hydrogen-electric (fuel cell) engines for commercial aviation as an environmentally and economically viable solution to address the industry's environmental impact.

By conducting flight tests on various prototypes, including a 19-seat testbed aircraft over the past 18 months, ZeroAvia has established a Hydrogen Airport Refueling Ecosystem to support flight testing and operational concepts.

A hydrogen supply agreement has been established between ZeroAvia and Ryze to ensure regular deliveries to the UK testing site at Cotswold Airport in Cirencester. This will cater to the increased hydrogen demand as the company progresses with extensive ground and flight testing for certification requirements of its ZA600 powertrain for aircraft with up to 20 seats.

Ryze recently announced collaborations with Vauxhall to develop hydrogen solutions for fleet operators and Guardian Glass to support the decarbonization of energy-intensive float glass production.

Supply of cost-effective, clean hydrogen is integral in meeting our ambitions for unlocking zero-emission flight, and this partnership with Ryze will help us advance our testing and journey to certification.

Sergey Kiselev, Chief Business Officer, ZeroAvia

With the UK's largest tube trailer fleet, offering various specifications and capabilities, Ryze will provide the necessary flexibility to support ZeroAvia's research and testing needs.

ZeroAvia's team of over 300 staff members focuses on hydrogen-electric propulsion and fueling solutions across multiple markets. Their initial goal is to achieve a 300-mile range in aircraft with up to 20 seats within the next few years, followed by a 700-mile range in 40–80 seat aircraft by 2027.

The work Ryze is doing to support fossil fuel displacement is fundamental to the UK’s decarbonisation strategy. This partnership with ZeroAvia is another important milestone for both Ryze and ZeroAvia and cements the ambition of both businesses to make real, tangible headway towards a hydrogen economy both in the UK and globally.

Alex Webster, Head of Business Development,  Ryze

In 2023, European airports witnessed over 6.7 million flights, emitting a total of 164.85 Mt of CO2, equivalent to the emissions of 80 million petrol cars in a year. This marked a 13% increase in CO2 emissions compared to the previous year.