Shell and Rolls-Royce sign agreement to accelerate progress towards net zero

The companies will join forces to progress the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in aircraft engines and shape policies that support a net zero pathway for the industry.

Shell and Rolls-Royce have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) which aims to support the decarbonisation of the aviation industry and their progress towards net zero emissions.

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 decarbonisation of the sector.

Paul Stein, Chief Technology Officer at Rolls-Royce, said: “Supporting the decarbonisation of aviation while continuing to enable progress in flight are goals that Rolls-Royce and Shell both share."

“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. 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.”

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 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 programme.

 Anna Mascolo, President, Shell Aviation, said: “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."

“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.”

The MoU will explore opportunities for Shell and Rolls-Royce to provide decarbonisation 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. 

July 2021

Climate Action