Grenoble – HRS, a European designer and manufacturer of hydrogen refueling stations, and Beyond Aero, an aeronautical manufacturer specializing in the development of innovative and sustainable aeronautical solutions , announce the signing of a memorandum of understanding aimed at sharing their expertise in developing hydrogen infrastructure around the first French “low carbon” aircraft equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell (developed by Beyond Aero) and to begin negotiations on a potential commercial agreement between the companies.
The hydrogen air transport market has great potential in sustainable aviation and could represent 38% of all aircraft by 2050, according to McKinsey [1] . Thanks to its ability to reduce CO2 emissions, reduce noise pollution, and use renewable energy sources, hydrogen is increasingly seen as a promising alternative to fossil fuels. Many players in the sector, such as the manufacturer Airbus or the airline Alaska Airlines, have notably invested in research and development to design these hydrogen solutions, which will be available in the coming years.
In this context, founded in 2020, Beyond Aero is developing the first low-carbon business jet (4 to 8 passengers), designed for hydrogen propulsion, with a first range of 800 nautical miles (1,500 km) which will carry several hydrogen storage tanks, as well as a complex system of hybridized fuel cells and their auxiliaries.
The memorandum of understanding, for an initial period of 5 years, should make it possible to combine the know-how and expertise of the two companies in the field of aeronautics and hydrogen to identify the hydrogen-fueling technological solutions suited to the design for the aircraft developed by Beyond Aero , as well as the storage necessary for successful “long-distance” flights.
Eloa Guillotin, founder and CEO of Beyond Aero said: “The transition to electric aviation is inevitable and crucial for the decarbonization of the aviation sector. As committed players, we are proud to bring together the entire hydrogen sector, a key technology that opens up new prospects. The installation of the first hydrogen stations at airports is an essential step in realizing this vision and accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable air future.”
Hassen Rachedi, Founder and CEO of HRS , said: “We are proud to announce the signing of this MoU with Beyond Aero to help develop hydrogen solutions that will revolutionize aviation. Hydrogen plays a key role in the decarbonization of transport, and we are determined to play a major role in this transition towards a greener future, across all sectors. In collaboration with Beyond Aero, recognized for its capacity for innovation, we will bring all our know-how in hydrogen technology to propel aircraft in a sustainable way, thus reducing carbon emissions and preserving our environment. Together, we will shape a future where the sky is synonymous with sustainability and energy efficiency. “
ABOUT BEYOND AERO
Beyond Aero is a pioneer in the field of hydrogen-electric aviation. Founded in December 2020, Beyond Aero is dedicated to developing a new generation of hydrogen-powered electric aircraft, starting with a business jet.
The company has redesigned the architecture and developed an innovative thermal management system, allowing six passengers to travel up to 800 NM across Europe, five times further than a battery-powered aircraft. With offices in Toulouse and Paris, this start-up has a team of 30 highly qualified engineers from major aeronautical companies such as Airbus, Safran and Lilium.
Beyond Aero has confirmed market interest with Letters of Intent (LOIs) totaling $580 million, as well as investor interest with over $10 million raised to date. Recently, the company completed the design of an 85 kW aircraft propulsion system – the most powerful in the European Union – at its site at Francazal airport. This technology represents a significant advance in the field of aviation, offering a greener and more efficient alternative to traditional aircraft.
ABOUT HRS
Created in 2004, Hydrogen-Refueling-Solutions ( HRS ), formerly TSM, is a pioneer in hydrogen mobility. European designer and manufacturer of hydrogen refueling stations, HRS has been committed for more than 10 years to the decarbonization of transport.
Backed by unique know-how and experience, HRS has developed a complete range of hydrogen refueling stations that can be used by all types of fuel cell vehicles and are perfectly suited to the needs of a rapidly growing European market. At its Champ-sur-Drac site, HRS has a series production capacity enabling it to assemble up to 60 units per year and in record time, which can reach only 8 weeks.
Note: The news release was translated from French to English.