Stralis and CQUniversity have joined forces to help power up an innovative H₂-electric aircraft to help decarbonize aviation and secure a cleaner future for the aviation industry. Stralis Aircraft are developing long-range H₂-electric propulsion systems for aviation with the aim of manufacturing the systems and aircraft in Queensland.

The project – supported by the Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) Program  – aims to design a heat management system for a high temperature proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) system that will help accelerate Stralis’ efforts to integrate the fuel cell into their H₂ powered aircraft.

Funded by the Queensland Government and delivered by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, the RUIC Program connects small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with regional universities to undertake collaborative research partnerships across Queensland.

Chief Technical Officer and Co-founder of Stralis Aircraft Stuart Johnstone said the collaboration is imperative to the success of the next phase of Stralis’ H₂-electric aviation plans.

“Stralis was pleased to have secured matched-funding through the RUIC Program to work in collaboration with CQU to design a cooling system for our unique high-temperature PEM fuel cells,” Johnstone said.

“This will increase our test capability, and the findings will inform development and build of our H₂-electric propulsion system for aircraft, which we plan to test with a Bonanza A36 aircraft in Queensland late 2025.”

Stralis aims to fly a H₂-powered aircraft from Gladstone to Brisbane to demonstrate it is possible to decarbonize aviation for a cleaner future.

Dr. George Feast, CSIRO’s SME Connect Programs Director, said CSIRO was excited to help Stralis’ dreams lift off.

“The RUIC Program empowers SMEs like Stralis to transform ambitious ideas into reality. We’re thrilled to support this groundbreaking project, showcasing how collaborative research projects can drive innovation and create industry-wide impact.”

CQUniversity Senior Research Fellow for H₂ and Renewable Energy Dr Michael Opolot said this collaboration between industry and academia is vital to advance knowledge and translate innovation into industrial applications.

“The combined experience of the teams at Stralis and the University, provide a great opportunity to advance learnings for a robust, high temperature, cooling system.”

CQUniversity’s Professor in H₂ Jonathon Love said the University was proud to be involved in such an important project.

“University research can play a vital role in supporting the ambitions of local innovation start-up companies,” Professor Love explained.

“CQUniversity is very pleased that this is being made possible through the RUIC Program so that CQUniversity’s Centre for H₂ and Renewable Energy can provide its expertise at Gladstone to help Stralis advance their innovative liquid H₂-fueled HT-PEM fuel cell electric propulsion system towards their exciting first test flight.”