The UK government has announced which projects will receive a share of £273 million in funding for low-carbon aerospace projects.
Business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng announced the latest beneficiaries of the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) programme during the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow on Monday (18 July). The funding comes from both the government and the aviation industry.
The green aviation projects that will receive financial backing include developing solar-powered aircraft and “ultra-efficient” wings, as well as hydrogen and battery technology.
There are 31 initiatives that will receive part of the £155 million in funding from the ATI programme competition. Meanwhile another 17 projects will share £105.5 million through the Future Flight Challenge.
Kwarteng said: “The return of the Farnborough International Airshow after a four-year absence is a clear example of the aerospace and aviation sector’s recovery.
“Today’s package of support will further this recovery and help the sector seize on the enormous opportunities for growth that exist as the world transitions to cleaner forms of flight.
“Through funding for the latest in green technology, such as solar and hydrogen powered aircraft, and setting out our vision for the fast-growing market for commercial drones, we are once again placing the aerospace sector directly at the centre of our plans to deliver jobs and grow the economy.”
Both the ATI Programme and Future Flight Challenge are components of the government’s Jet Zero policy to reduce carbon emissions from aviation. A final strategy is due to be published later this summer.