Intelligent Energy, based in Loughborough, has received a £17m programme from the ATI Programme to expedite the development of a new hydrogen fuel cell system for commercial aircraft. Project HEIGHTS, a three-year initiative, will focus on adapting IE's 300kW modular aviation fuel cell platform for next-generation aircraft like eVTOL and short-range planes. The new fuel cell system, IE-FLIGHT™ 300, is expected to be operational in Part 23 aircraft by the end of this decade and is projected to advance to larger regional aircraft by the 2030s. The initiative aligns with the growing pressure on the aviation industry to reduce emissions. Transitioning to hydrogen fuel cell systems in various aircraft could potentially diminish CO2 emissions by 25.6 million tonnes annually, with an estimated market value of £19.6 billion and the potential creation of 1,600 new jobs. Intelligent Energy's CEO, David Woolhouse, expresses optimism in hydrogen as the primary energy source for flight and emphasizes the company's expertise in the sector, aiming to enhance the system's efficiency and scalability. The project will be supported by academic partners like the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, Coventry University, and the Manufacturing Technology Centre. Furthermore, IE is expanding its operations in the UK by establishing a new £7.1 million fuel cell test center in Northamptonshire. This funding marks a significant advancement for IE's aviation division, following its strategic partnership with the Civil Aviation Authority's Hydrogen Challenge programme earlier this year.