The University of Nottingham will lead three projects worth £13.6 million under a £20 million UK programme aimed at advancing clean-energy manufacturing in the East Midlands. The aviation-focused project will develop, demonstrate and test hybrid-electric propulsion technologies against the requirements of major aircraft manufacturers preparing the next generation of single-aisle aircraft. The initiative is intended to move technologies towards industrial production rather than launch a specific aircraft programme.
The Advanced Manufacturing for Clean Energy programme is funded through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund and delivered by UK Research and Innovation, with the East Midlands Combined County Authority coordinating regional implementation. Nottingham will work with the authority, industry partners and research organisations, while the University of Derby leads the separate INFINITY project, the fourth initiative in the programme.
The Next Generation Single-Aisle Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Challenge will provide an industry-oriented route for assessing propulsion concepts against practical aircraft requirements. The wider portfolio is designed to support development from early research through manufacturing readiness, helping businesses enter at the stage most relevant to their technology.
Nottingham’s other projects include the AMaCE Accelerator, which supports start-ups, spin-offs and entrepreneurs in commercialising research. The programme does not identify participating aircraft manufacturers, a target aircraft type, a first-flight date or a certification timetable.