Tennessee Tech exploring fuel cells for air travel

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — A team of universities, including Tennessee Tech University, will study zero-emission air travel as part of a NASA grant. Dr. R...

March 24, 2023
4:46 AM

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — A team of universities, including Tennessee Tech University, will study zero-emission air travel as part of a NASA grant. Dr. Rory Roberts, a professor at the college, is studying using fuel cells to power aircraft.  Roberts said one airplane takeoff uses about 30 megawatts of power, equivalent to powering 6,000 homes. He said airplanes contribute about 12% of the world's carbon emissions.  Scientists say those emissions contribute to global warming, and it's why NASA is trying to make air travel emission-free.

Vinay Simlot