Shell and
Rolls-Royce have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that aims to support the ‘decarbonisation of the aviation industry’ and their progress towards ‘net zero’ emissions.
The long-term agreement builds on more than a century of cooperation between the two companies, and embodies a shared perspective that ‘collaboration across the aviation value chain is necessary for the decarbonisation of the sector’.
In recognition of the scale of the challenge, the MoU will ‘expand and accelerate’ several existing areas of cooperation between the companies, such as advancing the use of SAFs (sustainable aviation fuels).
This includes Rolls-Royce’s new SAFinity service (for which Shell is the exclusive SAF supplier), and working together on demonstrating the use of 100% SAF as a full ‘drop-in’ solution. This will see the companies explore opportunities to help progress the use of 100% SAF towards certification, building on Rolls-Royce’s ongoing 100% SAF testing programme.
Anna Mascolo, Shell Aviation’s president, said: “The heritage of collaboration between Rolls-Royce and Shell is a strong foundation for the future, particularly when it comes to our shared ambitions for achieving ‘net zero’ emissions.
“Being from different parts of the aviation value chain means Rolls-Royce and Shell bring complementary expertise, experiences and ideas to the table. Wide-ranging cooperation can drive new solutions that will help the aviation industry and our customers navigate a pathway to ‘net zero’.”
Paul Stein, Rolls-Royce’s chief technology officer, said: “Supporting the decarbonisation of aviation while continuing to enable progress in flight are goals that Rolls-Royce and Shell both share. We believe that working together on these aims can deliver benefits for both the development of new innovations as well as collaborating to find ways to unlock the net carbon emissions reduction potential of technology that is already in use today.
“SAFs will not only power large aircraft and business aviation, but also hybrid electric Urban Air Mobility (‘flying taxis’) and the forthcoming generation of hybrid fixed-wing city hoppers, which is why we place such importance on the ramp up of SAF adoption across the industry.”
As part of the MoU, Rolls-Royce and Shell will also assess broader opportunities for cooperation across aviation, as well as infrastructure in other mobility sectors such as shipping and rail.