The Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) has signed an agreement with zepp.solutions to develop a new fuel cell system for liquid hydrogen-powered flights.
Aiming to conduct its first demonstration flight in 2026, NLR plans to fit its all-electric aircraft unit, the Pipistrel Velis Electro, with a new hydrogen powertrain.
zepp.solutions has been tasked with the creation of the powertrain’s fuel cell system, with the company looking to further demonstrate its capability within the aviation sector.
Jan Bot, Co-founder of zepp.solutions, said:Our fuel cell technology has already proven itself in various sectors. We bring a lot of knowledge and experience when it comes to developing efficient and compact fuel cell systems. However, aviation offers completely different challenges. This cooperation, and to be able to learn from each other in this way, is therefore incredibly valuable.
In developing the hydrogen system for the Pipistrel, together with NLR, we will not only demonstrate the potential of hydrogen in aviation but also learn lessons that can be of great value to this sector.
With the signed agreement, NLR hopes to further advance its ‘Climate Neutral Aviation’ programme, which focuses on the goal of a climate-neutral aviation sector by 2050 at the latest.
Arjen Kloosterman, NLR Project Leader, said:NLR aims to use this project to gain knowledge and experience in the development and integration of hydrogen components and powertrains for manned aviation. Besides physical integration, the biggest challenges are the airworthiness and safety aspects associated with introducing hydrogen onboard an aircraft. The entire trajectory up to the demo flight in 2026 provides us with valuable knowledge and insights for hydrogen technology integration and is thus a prelude to further developments and implementation of this technology in the aviation sector.
The collaboration with Zepp is an essential step for us and will significantly contribute to NLR’s Climate Neutral Aviation programme.
