Rolls-Royce partners with Shell on decarbonisation push

Rolls-Royce and fuels giant Shell have signed a memorandum of understanding, which aims to support the decarbonisation of the aviation industry and their progress towards net zero emissions.

Rolls-Royce, which has its civil aerospace division in Derby, have signed a long-term agreement to work together to drive new solutions that will help the sector achieve net zero.

The two firms said the agreement builds on more than a century of cooperation and “embodies a shared perspective that collaboration across the aviation value chain is necessary for the decarbonisation of the sector”.

At its Derby site, Rolls-Royce is currently developing new, greener aero engines, while also researching more sustainable aviation fuels.

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Paul Stein, chief technology officer at Rolls-Royce, 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 (sustainable aviation fuels) 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.”

The agreement will explore opportunities for Shell and Rolls-Royce to provide decarbonisation solutions to meet their respective targets to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

This will include both companies contributing technologies and expertise to help reduce operational emissions.

Shell will assess opportunities to support Rolls-Royce in reducing travel emissions through the supply of SAF, while Rolls-Royce will lend its technical expertise to advise Shell in its new fuels development, as well as innovative low carbon energy alternatives for new aircraft and power systems.

As part of the agreement, Rolls-Royce and Shell say they will assess broader opportunities for cooperation across aviation as well as infrastructure in other mobility sectors such as shipping and rail.

Anna Mascolo, president of Shell Aviation, 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.”