Easyjet has unveiled designs for a hybrid aircraft which could save around 50,000 tonnes of fuel and CO2 emissions a year.
As part of its strategy of reducing its passengers’ carbon footprint the airline has designed a ‘zero emissions hydrogen fuel system’.
The hybrid concept uses a hydrogen fuel cell stowed in the aircraft’s hold. This system allows energy to be captured as the aircraft brakes on landing and is used to charge the system’s lightweight batteries when the aircraft is on the ground – similar to the technology they use in Formula 1 cars.
The energy can then be used by the aircraft when taxiing, which is on average 20-minutes per flight. Easyjet predicts this will save around 4 per cent of its annual fuel consumption.
Easyjet said this will help it cut emissions by 7 per cent by 2020. This follows a 28 per cent decrease over the past 15 years.
The only waste product of the system is fresh clean water which could be used to refill the aircraft’s water system throughout the flight.
To power the aircraft during taxiing, each aircraft would have power motors fitted in their main wheels. Power electronics and system controllers would give pilots control of the aircraft’s speed, direction and braking during taxi operations.
The system would therefore reduce or even remove altogether the need for tugs to manoeuvre aircraft in and out of stands. It would also allow the airline to become efficient turnaround times and increased on time performance.
Easyjet head of engineering Ian Davies, said: “At Easyjet, we are continuing to apply the use of new digital and engineering technologies across the airline.
“The hybrid plane concept we are announcing today is both a vision of the future and a challenge to our partners and suppliers to continue to push the boundaries towards reducing our carbon emissions.”
Sign up to BBT’s twice-weekly newsletter