Innovative new partnership set to propel the development of hydrogen-powered engines

A university which specialises in hydrogen engine research is teaming up with industry experts in a new multimillion-pound partnership to develop affordable hydrogen-powered engines for heavy transport.

Brunel University of London is joining forces with rotary engine specialists Advanced Innovative Engineering (AIE) Ltd and engineering consultants MAHLE Powertrain Ltd.

The three-year project, which is backed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will see the development of ultra efficient hydrogen engines leading to net zero emissions.

Brunel's Prof Hua Zhao demonstrating a hydrogen engine to Prof Julia Sutcliffe and fellow Department for Business and Trade delegation members. Image ©Brunel University

While electric engines are helping passenger cars support the UK’s net-zero carbon emissions goal, they don’t currently suit heavy vehicles such as lorries, ships, aircraft, or off-highway machines. For these harder-to-decarbonise sectors, hydrogen is a key clean energy solution.

Professor Hua Zhao, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research at Brunel, said: “This partnership represents a major step forward in advancing clean propulsion technologies for heavy-duty vehicles, marine vessels, aerospace applications and power generation.

“As the first university in the UK to establish dedicated hydrogen engine research facilities, we are proud to collaborate with AIE and MAHLE Powertrain on the development of high-efficiency hydrogen rotary and piston engines.”

The science and technology funding body’s £1.3m award is matched with investment from AIE and MAHLE Powertrain. The funding is part of UKRI’s wider Prosperity Partnerships scheme, aimed at boosting business-university collaborations tackling industrial challenges.

Brunel’s venture is one of 23 Prosperity Partnership projects across the UK awarded more than £97m to accelerate technologies ranging from battery design to cyber defence.

Science Minister Sir Patrick Vallance said: “These partnerships show the range of real-world challenges the UK’s world-class research base is helping to tackle – from cutting carbon emissions in heavy transport to improving access to life-saving medicines.

“By backing scientists to work hand-in-hand with industry, we’re combining cutting-edge research with business expertise to turn science into practical solutions that can make a difference in people’s daily lives.”

For more information, visit www.ukri.org.