PowerCell Group has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ZeroAvia to co-develop advanced fuel cell technologies tailored for high-demand applications in aerospace and other heavy-duty sectors. Their joint efforts will target medium and high-temperature fuel cells, crucial for powering larger, energy-intensive aircraft such as fixed-wing planes and rotorcraft.
This new MoU builds on a successful partnership in which PowerCell’s fuel cell stacks were integral to ZeroAvia’s powertrains, facilitating groundbreaking flights with fuel cell technology. PowerCell’s low-temperature PEM (LT-PEM) stacks are now part of ZeroAvia’s custom multi-stack system for aviation, serving in the prototype powertrains for the ZA600, a 600 kW unit suitable for aircraft with up to 20 seats.
The collaboration will advance ZeroAvia’s high-temperature PEM (HT-PEM) fuel cell stacks, a key component in the upcoming ZA2000 powertrain, developed for 40-80 seat aircraft. These HT-PEM stacks are achieving record-breaking power density, with a roadmap to reach over 3 kW/kg at the system level. The higher operating temperatures reduce the need for cooling and simplify the system architecture, enhancing power output per unit weight.
PowerCell’s Heavy Duty Stack (HDS) technology, designed for aviation, marine, and other high-demand applications, will play a central role. The modular HDS system, ranging from 300 kW to 1 MW, provides superior energy density, offering over 5 kW/kg in testing. This innovation supports large installations across sectors such as off-road, power generation, and on-road applications, promoting lower costs and weight.
By leveraging PowerCell’s expertise in scaling hydrogen-electric technology to high Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), the collaboration will accelerate the deployment of these advanced fuel cell systems across various industries. This initiative strengthens ZeroAvia’s core aerospace focus while opening pathways for technology use in non-aerospace sectors.
Val Miftkhov, CEO and Founder of ZeroAvia, stated, “PowerCell has proven to be a forward-thinking partner, equally passionate about advancing fuel cell technologies for demanding applications like aviation. By combining our efforts, we’re advancing this technology more rapidly, benefiting both aviation and other sectors.”
Richard Berkling, CEO of PowerCell Group, added, “The first hydrogen-electric commercial flights are on the horizon, and this innovation will drive momentum as airlines and passengers see its environmental and cost benefits. We’re thrilled to deepen our collaboration with ZeroAvia to make clean, emissions-free aviation a reality.”
ZeroAvia has already tested the ZA600 powertrain prototype on a Dornier 228 aircraft in the UK and submitted its certification to the UK Civil Aviation Authority. In the US and UK, the company has also advanced ground tests for the ZA2000’s key components, including cryogenic LH2 tanks and high-temperature PEM fuel cells, setting the stage for applications in regional turboprop aircraft such as the ATR72 and Dash 8 400.
