Intelligent Energy to Open Cutting-Edge Fuel Cell Testing Facility in the UK
Key Ideas
  • Intelligent Energy is investing £7.1m ($9.1m) in a 1.3MW fuel cell testing facility in the UK to support aerospace and automotive industries.
  • The facility will enable the testing of 1.3MW of fuel cells simultaneously, aiding in the development of high-power and efficient fuel cells for aviation.
  • Located in Northamptonshire, the site will produce over 100 tonnes of green hydrogen annually using renewable energy and feed excess electricity back into the grid.
  • IE's history in aviation includes powering the first manned fuel cell demonstrator aircraft with Boeing in 2008 and contributing to ZeroAvia's first flight in 2020.
Intelligent Energy (IE) is set to launch a state-of-the-art £7.1m ($9.1m) fuel cell testing facility in the UK to bolster advancements in the aerospace and automotive sectors. This facility, situated at the Chelveston Renewable Energy Park in Northamptonshire, will have the capacity to test 1.3MW of fuel cells concurrently, supporting IE's expansion plans for new products and customer services. The company will collaborate with Finnish-based Proventia to establish two test laboratories. Additionally, an Enapter AEM electrolyser on-site will generate over 100 tonnes of green hydrogen annually using renewable energy, further emphasizing IE's commitment to sustainable practices. The excess electricity produced during fuel cell testing will be integrated back into the local grid. IE's focus on decarbonizing regional and sub-regional aircraft is evident through this investment in increased testing capabilities, aiming to develop fuel cell systems with enhanced power density, efficiency, reliability, and durability for the aviation industry. CEO David Woolhouse described the facility as a substantial contribution to the UK's clean energy vision and a leading-edge facility in Europe. With a rich history in aviation, IE has previously powered significant milestones like Boeing's manned fuel cell demonstrator aircraft in 2008 and ZeroAvia's inaugural flight in 2020. The company's dedication to innovation and sustainability in the aviation sector is highlighted by this strategic investment.
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