The tests will run until the New Year and aim to confirm full engine operability with the fuel and will also monitor performance and emissions.
ALECSys is part of the UltraFan® next generation engine demonstrator programme, which offers a 25 per cent fuel saving over the first generation of Trent engines. The ALECSys programme is supported by the European Union via Clean Sky and in the UK by the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) and Innovate UK; the 100 per cent SAF testing programme is additionally supported by ATI, iUK and Gulf Aviation.
Gene Gebolys, Chief Executive Officer and founder, World Energy, said: “World Energy exists to empower leaders to innovate by providing the world’s most advanced low carbon fuels. Rolls-Royce is putting their technological prowess to work to understand how to maximise their potential in engines and we are proud to support them.”
Theye Veen, Managing Director, SkyNRG, added: “This programme is a great example of what can be achieved when companies from across the aviation value chain that share an ambition of reducing emissions work together. As a pioneer in SAF, SkyNRG encourages innovative tests like this run by Rolls-Royce.”
In addition to supplying the SAF with SkyNRG, Shell Aviation is also providing Rolls-Royce with AeroShell lubricants for the ALECSys engine test programme.
Anna Mascolo, President, Shell Aviation, commented: “For over 100 years, Rolls-Royce and Shell have worked together to drive aviation’s progress. This collaboration brings us one step closer to decarbonising aviation. As well as the SAF, Shell Aviation will provide offsets using nature-based solutions to make the test net zero emissions, reinforcing how multiple measures are essential if aviation is to achieve net zero carbon dioxide emissions.”
Testing is due to be completed in December and results from the test are expected early in the New Year.