The long-term agreement builds on more than a century of cooperation between the two companies and embodies a shared perspective that collaboration across the aviation value chain is necessary for the decarbonization of the sector.
In recognition of the scale of the challenge, the MoU will expand and accelerate several existing areas of cooperation between the companies such as advancing the use of SAF.
This includes Rolls-Royce’s new
SAFinity service, for which Shell is the exclusive SAF supplier, and working
together on demonstrating the use of 100% SAF as a full “drop-in” solution.
This will see the companies explore opportunities to help progress the use of
100% SAF towards certification, building on Rolls-Royce’s ongoing 100% SAF
testing program.
“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,” said Anna Mascolo, President,
Shell Aviation. “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.”
SAFs
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 MoU will explore opportunities for Shell and Rolls-Royce to provide decarbonization 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.
The MoU will also set the foundation for Rolls-Royce and
Shell to work together to proactively engage industry bodies and forums to
progress strategic policy issues, and address existing barriers associated with
the aviation sector’s pathway to decarbonization. As part of this, Rolls-Royce
and Shell also expect to work closely with stakeholders from across the
aviation community to help support wider progress towards net zero.
As part of the MoU, Rolls-Royce and Shell will assess
broader opportunities for cooperation across aviation as well as infrastructure
in other mobility sectors such as shipping and rail.