Engineering giant Rolls-Royce has announced it has teamed up with a Norwegian airline to help achieve an ambition of zero-emissions aviation.
The firm, which produces aero engines for passenger jets at its Civil Aerospace division in Derby, has partnered with Wideroe, the largest regional airline in Scandinavia, on a research programme.
It is part of the airline’s ambition to replace and electrify its regional fleet of 30-plus planes by 2030.
Rolls-Royce has said it will use its in-depth electrical and systems design expertise to help advise on all elements of the project.
The initial phase, which involves operational studies and concept proofing, is already underway, with expert teams in Norway and the UK working closely together on a daily basis.
The partnership, which was publicly announced this week at a Clean Aerospace event at the British Embassy in Oslo, comes after the Norwegian Government announced ambitious goals for the aviation industry, aiming for emission-free domestic aviation by 2040.
It is backing Wideroe’s research along with Innovation Norway, and the Minister of Climate and Environment, Ola Elvestuen, who has on several occasions put forward the suitability of the Norwegian STOL network as a test bench for the development of zero-emissions aircraft.
Andreas Aks, chief strategy officer at Wideroe, said: “We are aiming to have emission-free commercial flights in the air by 2030.
“Partnering with Rolls-Royce for this research programme puts us one step closer to reaching that goal.
“The development of electric aviation looks promising, but we need to progress faster. We are therefore pleased to have the world’s most renowned engine manufacturer on board with us on this pioneering green journey.”
Alan Newby, director of aerospace technology and future programmes at Rolls-Royce, said: “We’re delighted to be part of this electrical aircraft research programme and applaud the high level of ambition that Norway is adopting toward zero-emissions aviation.
“Rolls-Royce has a long-standing history of pioneering innovation, from powering early flight to building the world’s most efficient aero engine flying today, the Trent XWB. We relish the opportunity to solve complex problems that matter.
“Now, more than ever, we acknowledge that society’s greatest technological challenge is the need for lower carbon power and we have a crucial role to play in creating cleaner, more sustainable and scalable power for the future.
“This includes the electrification of flight, in addition to increasing the fuel efficiency of our gas turbines and encouraging the development of sustainable aviation fuels.
“This project will further build on our global electrical capability, which was recently boosted by the acquisition of Siemens eAircraft business and complements the electrical work we are principally doing in the UK and Germany, while building on the knowledge gained through the ATI supported E-Fan X programme.
“We’re excited by the depth of skills and expertise that we are bringing together with Wideroe and Innovation Norway on this journey towards the third era of aviation, bringing cleaner and quieter air transport to the skies.”
Rolls-Royce already has a high-tech electrical research facility based in the Norwegian city of Trondheim, employing a group of people dedicated to finding solutions for emission-free aviation, who are taking part in the initiative.
Sigurd Ovrebo, managing director of Rolls-Royce Electrical Norway, said: “Britain and Norway share a long history of successful partnerships.
“Our facility in Norway enables us not only to be present in Scandinavia, a region known for being early adopters of low-emission technology, but also to leverage Norwegian competence in high power electrification from the Marine sector, which will undoubtedly be a critical component in helping us to achieve our goals.”
