Beijing: (Right Now News) China has achieved a significant milestone in the aviation industry by successfully testing the world’s first hydrogen-powered megawatt-class turboprop engine.

China conducted a test flight of a 7.5-ton unmanned cargo aircraft from an airport in Xuzhou province. The aircraft reached an altitude of 300 meters and flew for 16 minutes.

According to Chinese officials, the aircraft traveled 36 kilometers at a speed of 220 kilometers per hour and returned safely. The AEP 100 engine used in the aircraft was developed in China and runs on liquid hydrogen.

This engine operates like traditional jet engines but uses hydrogen instead of kerosene, emitting only water. Experts state that China has taken a different path in hydrogen aviation compared to Western countries.

It is noteworthy that China’s advancement comes at a time when global oil supply is under pressure, and the search for alternative energy sources continues. China views hydrogen as an eco-friendly fuel and a strategy to reduce import dependency.