NEDO Chooses IHI Technology Development Initiative for Green Innovation Fund Project to Accelerate Aircraft Electrification Efforts

TOKYO--( BUSINESS WIRE )-- IHI Corporation(TOKYO: 7013) announces today that the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) has chosen the company’s initiative for electric power control and thermal and air management system technology development for the Next-Generation Aircraft Development Project under that organization’s Green Innovation Fund program.

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Prototype of megawatt-class engine-embedded electric machine for use in initiative (Photo: Business Wire)

For that project, IHI will develop such core aircraft electrification technologies as megawatt-class generators and the world’s most powerful aircraft electric turbo compressor.

The company will leverage these core technologies to build a power control system integrating a hybrid electric propulsion system and a thermal and air management system employing an air conditioning system for airframes. It seeks to establish an airframe system concept that delivers lower fuel consumption than conventional aircraft.

This initiative will span around seven years through the fiscal year ending March 2031.

IHI will help attain carbon neutrality by 2050 through the project by intensifying efforts to develop unique lightweight technologies, including electrifying the aircraft, applying hydrogen fuel, and developing and commercializing synthetic fuels. In doing so, IHI will play a vital role in advancing carbon-neutral aircraft that are both environmentally friendly and economically viable.

Note

NEDO decided to create the ¥2 trillion Green Innovation Fund to ramp up efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, including structurally transforming the energy and industrial sectors and investing extensively in innovation. The fund will provide ongoing support to public and private sector entities collaborating to pursue specific goals in everything from R&D through demonstrations and social implementation of outcomes over the next 10 years. This assistance is primarily in 14 priority fields for which the Green Growth Strategy has formulated action plans.

About IHI

IHI is a preeminent Japanese integrated heavy industry group that originated with the establishment of the nation’s first modern shipyard in 1853. It leveraged its shipbuilding technology to expand into onshore machinery, bridge, plant, aero-engine, and other manufacturing fields. IHI has provided an array of solutions in recent years. In aero-engine, IHI is Japan’s leading maker of jet engines, with a market share of between 60% and 70%. We are the primary contractor and manufacturer for aircraft engines used by the Ministry of Defense. We collaborate in international projects to develop and supply large and small engines, components, and modules for all types of civilian aircraft. To meet the growing demand for more eco-friendly engines and fulfill our corporate responsibility, we are helping to develop next-generation engines that draw on our advanced technologies.

For more information about IHI click below: https://www.ihi.co.jp/en/

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