ZeroAvia is a leader in zero-emission aviation, focused on developing hydrogen-electric engines for all types of aircraft as the most environmentally and economically-friendly solution for the industry’s growing climate change impact. Aviation accounts for 10% of all US transportation greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 3% of total US GHG emissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Verne is a hydrogen storage and refuelling technology startup focused on solutions using cryo-compressed hydrogen for heavy-duty sectors. Cryo-compressed hydrogen stores gaseous hydrogen at cold temperatures, increasing the energy density of the fuel, which could enable a longer range compared to gaseous hydrogen powered aircraft.
According to analysis by Verne, cryo-compressed hydrogen can achieve 40% greater usable hydrogen density than liquid hydrogen and 200% greater usable hydrogen density than 350 bar gaseous hydrogen. Additionally, the application of cryo-compressed hydrogen promises to significantly reduce cost of densification and refuelling time, increase dormancy time relative to LH2 systems, and potentially eliminate venting for pressure management.
ZeroAvia and Verne will assess the potential benefits of scaling CcH2 storage and refuelling infrastructure at airports across the world, as hydrogen-electric propulsion scales to support larger and larger aircraft. The two companies will also work together to develop a model for initial airport locations in California.
Verne has developed large hydrogen storage systems exhibiting 4 MWh of storage. Recently, Verne and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory announced the demonstration of Verne’s 1 MWh CcH2 storage prototype. Verne has received federal grants for the development of its technology, including from ARPA-E. Verne is backed by Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, Caterpillar Venture Capital, Collaborative Fund, and other leading investors. As well as rapid work to develop its propulsion technology, ZeroAvia has been active in demonstrating hydrogen airport infrastructure.