Press release , May 04, 2026

H2Sky project receives funding for hydrogen-based aviation

The H2Sky research project, aimed at developing fuel cell stacks for aviation, has received funding of around 26.5 million euros. The funds come from the National Innovation Programme for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology and represent one of the largest individual grants awarded in this field to date.

The project's goal is to develop fuel cell stacks with an output of 100 to 200 kilowatts for use in the main propulsion systems of aircraft. The technological basis is a stack platform already established in the automotive industry, which is being further developed to meet the significantly more demanding requirements of aviation.

The project is supported by a broad industry consortium, including the Aerostack joint venture between Airbus and ElringKlinger, as well as additional industrial and research partners. The total project volume amounts to more than 44 million euros, including significant co-funding from the participating companies.

The work ranges from fundamental development through to long-term testing and is intended to lay the groundwork for future industrial application. The initiative forms part of a broader federal funding strategy aimed at building a technological and industrial foundation for hydrogen-based propulsion in aviation.

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