The L.I.M.E project (Lithium-based Innovation for Modular Energy), Ascendance Led consortium, and its partners EXOES, Basquevolt, and Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) of RWTH Aachen University, has been selected by Europe’s Clean Aviation program to drive the next wave of hybrid-electric propulsion innovation in Europe, thanks to a €5 million grant. This recognition, awarded after a highly competitive European call for proposals, reflects the strong engagement and endorsement from 3 major aircraft manufacturers ATR, Daher & Airbus(CS-25 and CS-23) who supported the application and have spotlighted the foundational strength of Ascendance’s hybrid electric innovative technologies.
The grant will support the development and demonstration of an aviation-grade battery system for hybrid-electric propulsion, primarily targeting next-generation regional aircrafts with entry into service expected by 2035.
“We’re honored by Clean Aviation’s decision and the trust expressed by the sector and our consortium partners. Their support affirms both Ascendance’s expertise and the market’s belief in the STERNA Hybrid Pack as a catalyst for decarbonized aviation,” commented Jean-Christophe Lambert, CEO of Ascendance.
The L.I.M.E (Lithium-based Innovation for Modular Energy) project addresses six key objectives for the aerospace industry:
● Safety & End-User-Centric Design: Design a battery system that meets stringent certification standards and user requirements for aviation, especially CS25 applications.
● Disruptive Battery Innovation: Push the boundaries of current technology with a battery system surpassing existing capabilities in cell technology, thermal management, and composite casing.
● TRL4 Prototyping: Manufacture and test a TRL4 prototype including cell blocks, battery management, and thermal systems, followed by ground demonstrations.
● Digital Twin Agility: Utilize high-fidelity digital twins to optimize development, reduce costs, and minimize physical prototyping, ensuring rapid design validation.
● Roadmap to Entry Into Service: Support integration studies and create an industrialization plan to prepare the battery system for service in regional aircrafts, specifically targeting the ATR 42/72 for entry into service by 2035.
● Maximize European Impact: Advance critical aviation technology to benefit European society, economy, and competitiveness by disseminating research and results widely.
“The complementarity of skills and expertises with our partners EXOES, Basquevolt and the PEM Chair of the RWTH Aachen University is key to achieve these technical objectives and greatly contribute to the aviation sector's energy transition. For Ascendance, this grant is an outstanding signal of trust in the relevance and the maturity of our hybrid-electric technologies. It also highlights the strategic importance of building robust, sovereign capabilities in sustainable aviation for Europe. Through the STERNA Hybrid Pack and the collaborative work within the L.I.M.E Consortium, we are demonstrating that European innovation can lead the way in delivering the next generation of decarbonized, high-performance aviation solutions,” concluded Jean-Christophe Lambert, CEO of Ascendance.