UK Government invests £40 million in developing 'green' aviation engines

London, UK: The UK government has made an award of £40 million to the British aerospace industry for research and development of "green" aviation engines, with the intention of reducing the impact of flying on the environment.

The "Environmentally Friendly Engine," project is a £95 million industrial collaboration, led by aero-engine maker, Rolls-Royce, to design and test technologies for more fuel efficient engines with reduced noise, carbon and nitrogen emissions. The project will run until 2010 and is part of the UK's five-year National Aerospace Technology Strategy.

Also taking part in the research project will be six UK universities, including Cambridge, Queen's Belfast and Loughborough.

Announcing the funding today, John Denham, the minister for innovation, universities and skills, said: "This new programme is very important for the UK's aviation industry, which faces significant global competition. Britain must work to maintain its place as a leader in aviation with a highly skilled workforce. Developing new innovative technologies is a big part of that."

Scientists will begin the first round of tests on combustion and turbine components next year.

Sir John Rose, chief executive, Rolls-Royce, said, "The programme will develop the advanced technologies required for cleaner and quieter engines and will help the aviation industry meet demanding new targets aimed at reducing its environmental footprint."

The project's industrial partners, including Bombardier Aerospace and Unison Engine Components, are contributing 50% of its total cost.