The University of Nottingham in the UK is moving ahead with plans to build a hydrogen propulsion research lab, aimed at advancing zero-carbon transport technologies. Planning permission has now been granted for the facility, which will be located on the university’s Jubilee Campus and is set to open by mid-2026.
Designed to support the development of hydrogen and ammonia-based propulsion systems, the lab will focus on applications across multiple sectors, including aerospace, automotive, marine, and power generation.
It will house cryogenic test capabilities, environmental chambers for altitude simulation, and high-power system testing, allowing researchers to push the limits of hydrogen propulsion technology.
Professor Chris Gerada, who leads strategic research and innovation at the University of Nottingham, said the facility would help position the region as a leader in zero-carbon innovation.
“A new hydrogen lab for the East Midlands is a leap forward in establishing the region’s leadership in zero carbon innovation on the world stage,” he said.
The lab’s creation aligns with the UK’s broader ambitions to develop a hydrogen economy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting emissions in hard-to-decarbonise sectors. As governments and industries push for alternatives to conventional propulsion, research hubs like this could play a key role in commercialising new technologies.
Focus on hydrogen and ammonia
Hydrogen has been touted as a key player in the future of transport, particularly for sectors where batteries may not be viable due to weight or energy density limitations. However, challenges remain around fuel storage, safety, and infrastructure, particularly for gaseous hydrogen and ammonia.
The new lab will allow researchers to test high-power hydrogen propulsion systems in real-world conditions, helping to refine safety standards and operational efficiencies. The inclusion of cryogenic testing facilities will also enable the study of liquid hydrogen, which is being considered as a more energy-dense alternative to gaseous hydrogen for aviation and shipping applications.
Beyond hydrogen, the lab will explore ammonia – a hydrogen-rich fuel that has gained interest for marine propulsion and power generation due to its ease of storage and transport compared with hydrogen gas.
The hydrogen propulsion lab is part of a wider expansion of clean energy research at the university’s Jubilee Campus. It will complement the newly announced Zero Carbon Innovation Centre which is focused on developing and scaling sustainable energy solutions.
