Two of the oldest names in aviation—Rolls-Royce and Shell—have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that outlines their support for decarbonization of the industry, as well as working towards their own corporate goals of net-zero emissions by 2050. Citing more than a century of cooperation between the engine maker and the fuel provider, the two noted that collaboration across the aviation value chain is necessary to achieve decarbonization milestones.
“Being from different parts of the aviation value chain means Rolls-Royce and Shell bring complementary expertise, experiences, and ideas to the table,” said Shell Aviation president Anna Mascolo. “Wide-ranging cooperation can drive new solutions that will help the aviation industry and our customers navigate a pathway to net-zero.”
The MoU will increase their partnership in advancing the acceptance of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through services such as Rolls-Royce’s SAFinity service for which Shell is the exclusive SAF supplier, as well as demonstrating the use of 100 percent SAF as a full “drop-in” solution with an eye towards future certification of the unblended fuel.
“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,” explained Rolls-Royce chief technology officer Paul Stein.