RFPs: Demonstration of Integrated Hydrogen Fuel System for Fully Electric Aircraft

The focus of this opportunity is on developing a lightweight and reliable low-pressure pump-fed integrated hydrogen fuel system, demonstrating optimized liquid hydrogen fuel systems, ensuring effective hydrogen storage pressure monitoring and control, advancing critical component performance and manufacturing processes, implementing comprehensive hydrogen leakage management strategies, achieving certification readiness, and supporting the viability and efficiency of fully electric hydrogen fuel cell powered aircraft concepts aligned with long-term aviation sustainability goals.

Projects are expected to focus on ground-based demonstrations, combining physical testing and advanced simulations to validate system performance. This includes testing under representative aeronautical conditions, such as vibration, thermal cycling, and dynamic loads, as well as demonstrating hydrogen leakage detection and mitigation capabilities. The integration of system components such as pumps, valves, sensors, and heat exchangers must be optimized to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability.

The maximum EU contribution for this topic is EUR 18 million, with funding expected to be awarded to one project depending on evaluation outcomes. Each project can receive up to EUR 18 million, and proposals exceeding this amount will be considered ineligible. Additionally, at least 15% of the total EU contribution must be allocated to Small and Medium Enterprises, Research and Technology Organisations, or universities with beneficiary status; failure to meet this requirement will result in ineligibility. Projects must also demonstrate a minimum Technology Readiness Level of 4 at the component level at the start.

The project duration is up to 48 months under an Innovation Action framework, with the goal of achieving TRL 5 at component level and TRL 4 at system level through testing and demonstration. Applicants must provide a detailed roadmap showing how the proposed technologies will mature and contribute to future aircraft concepts expected to enter service in the 2040s.

Participation in this opportunity is open to any legal entity, regardless of its place of establishment, including entities from non-associated third countries and international organisations, provided they meet the conditions outlined in the Horizon Europe Regulation and any additional requirements specified in the call. Legal entities include both natural and legal persons recognised under national, EU, or international law, as well as entities without legal personality under certain conditions where representatives can assume legal obligations and provide financial guarantees.

For more information, visit European Commission.