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

Deadline: 19-May-2026

The European Commission invites applications to advance sustainable aviation through integrated hydrogen fuel systems for fully electric hydrogen fuel cell aircraft. With a maximum EU contribution of EUR 18 million, projects must demonstrate component and system performance, safety, and efficiency through ground-based testing and simulations, aiming for future aircraft concepts entering service in the 2040s.

Overview

The European Commission is funding initiatives to demonstrate integrated hydrogen fuel systems for fully electric hydrogen fuel cell aircraft. The program focuses on:

  • Optimized liquid hydrogen fuel systems
  • Lightweight and reliable low-pressure pump-fed designs
  • Hydrogen storage, pressure monitoring, and control
  • Critical component performance and manufacturing advancements
  • Hydrogen leakage detection and mitigation
  • Certification readiness
  • Supporting efficient and sustainable aircraft concepts

This initiative aligns with long-term aviation sustainability goals, targeting technologies suitable for aircraft entering service in the 2040s.

Objectives

Overall Objective: Demonstrate safe, efficient, and reliable hydrogen fuel systems for fully electric aircraft.

Specific Objectives:

  1. Optimize integration of pumps, valves, sensors, and heat exchangers for safety and performance.
  2. Validate system and component performance through physical testing and advanced simulations under representative aeronautical conditions (vibration, thermal cycling, dynamic loads).
  3. Demonstrate hydrogen leakage management strategies and mitigation technologies.
  4. Achieve Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) suitable for further certification and deployment:
    • TRL 4 at system level
    • TRL 5 at component level

Funding Details

  • Maximum EU contribution: EUR 18 million per project
  • Eligible funding allocation: At least 15% must go to SMEs, Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs), or universities
  • Project duration: Up to 48 months under an Innovation Action framework
  • Proposal eligibility: Exceeding EUR 18 million makes a proposal ineligible

Technology and Demonstration Focus

Projects must include:

  • Ground-based demonstrations of hydrogen fuel systems
  • Integration of system components for optimized performance
  • Hydrogen leakage detection and mitigation
  • Testing under aeronautical conditions, including vibration, thermal cycling, and dynamic loads
  • Advanced simulations to complement physical testing
  • A roadmap for maturing technologies toward operational aircraft concepts

Eligibility Criteria

  • Open to any legal entity worldwide, including:
    • Entities from non-associated third countries
    • International organisations
  • Legal entities include:
    • Natural and legal persons recognised under national, EU, or international law
    • Entities without legal personality, if representatives assume legal obligations and provide financial guarantees
  • SMEs, RTOs, and universities must receive at least 15% of total funding

How to Apply

  1. Develop a project proposal demonstrating hydrogen fuel system integration and testing plans.
  2. Ensure budget does not exceed EUR 18 million and 15% allocation to eligible entities.
  3. Demonstrate minimum TRL 4 at component level at the start of the project.
  4. Include a detailed roadmap showing technology maturation toward aircraft concepts for the 2040s.
  5. Submit via the Horizon Europe application portal in compliance with Horizon Europe Regulation requirements.

Key Considerations and Tips

  • Focus on safety, efficiency, and system reliability.
  • Include both physical testing and simulation to validate performance.
  • Ensure component and system TRL alignment with project goals.
  • Clearly demonstrate SME, RTO, and university involvement to meet funding eligibility.
  • Roadmaps should clearly connect project results to future certification and deployment of hydrogen aircraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the maximum EU funding?
    Up to EUR 18 million per project.
  2. Who must receive at least 15% of the funding?
    SMEs, Research and Technology Organisations, and universities with beneficiary status.
  3. What are the expected Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs)?
    TRL 4 at system level and TRL 5 at component level by project completion.
  4. What project duration is allowed?
    Up to 48 months under an Innovation Action framework.
  5. Can entities from outside the EU participate?
    Yes, including entities from non-associated third countries and international organisations.
  6. What testing is required?
    Ground-based demonstrations under representative aeronautical conditions, including vibration, thermal cycling, dynamic loads, and hydrogen leakage testing.
  7. Is proposal submission open to networks without legal status?
    No, but a legally recognized member of the network can submit on behalf of the group.

Conclusion

This European Commission call supports the development of integrated hydrogen fuel systems for sustainable aviation. By demonstrating safe, efficient, and reliable hydrogen technologies, the initiative contributes to fully electric hydrogen aircraft concepts expected to enter service in the 2040s, advancing Europe’s long-term aviation sustainability goals.

For more information, visit European Commission.