ZeroAvia has said it has achieved ‘record-breaking performance’ in testing of its high temperature PEM (HTPEM) fuel cell systems, which it believes could unlock hydrogen’s use in large-turboprop and regional jet applications.

According to the zero-emission flight innovator, early testing of its pressurised 20kW HTPEM stack power module at its UK R&D location has demonstrated 2.5kW/kg specific power at cell level, which it hopes will pave the way for 3+kW/kg system level densities in the next 24 months.

ZeroAvia believes this next generation of fuel cells could be sufficient to enable to electric propulsion systems for 100+ seat single-aisle turbofan aircraft such as he Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.