SkiesFifty, Catalsys to collaborate on ammonia power for aviation

Ground operations and aircraft propulsion

Click to learn more. Graphic visualisation of Catalsys’ ammonia-cracking-based power generation system, shown here on an off-grid construction site. Catalysis and SkiesFifty will develop the technology for the aviation sector. Source: Catalysis.

Aviation investor SkiesFifty has announced a new partnership with UK-based Catalsys to develop and deploy ammonia-based power systems. Catlatsys’ technology concept uses ammonia cracking to produce a “custom” ammonia-hydrogen fuel blend, which then powers fuel cells to generate 150kW or 500kW of power. The containerised system can be stacked to increase overall output.

Via a new joint venture, the two pair will focus on two areas:

• Ground operations – deploying the power system to generate electricity for electrifying airside and landside operations, especially where grid connections are limited. Potential applications include charging electric ground vehicles, and powering ground power units for aircraft at stands.
• Alternative aircraft propulsion systems – “advancing” the Catalsys technology for onboard use, converting ammonia into a fuel blend compatible with jet engines.

The Catalsys technology offers a unique path to decarbonizing ground operations – an often overlooked yet vital part of a sustainable aviation ecosystem. And beyond that, it shows enormous potential for alternative propulsion systems, and the most cost-effective hydrogen delivery that we have seen.

Krishnan Narayanan, founding partner at SkiesFifty, in his organisation’s official press release, 5 Feb 2025

This partnership allows us to scale our innovative green power technology and tackle some of aviation’s most important sustainability challenges. Together with SkiesFifty’s sector expertise and network, we are creating a pathway to a more sustainable future for the industry.

Kevin Fothergill, CEO at Catalsys, in SkiesFifty’s official press release, 5 Feb 2025

Although ammonia-based propulsion systems for aircraft have been proposed for a number of years (with several designs under development), this is the first time the concept has been paired with decarbonisation of ground-side operations.