Fabrum Launches Hydrogen Testing Facility at Christchurch Airport
Key Ideas
- Christchurch Airport's Kowhai Park now hosts Fabrum's new hydrogen testing facility to advance liquid hydrogen technology for aviation.
- The facility aims to develop liquefiers, gas management systems, and boil-off gas management technologies, supporting a low-emissions future for the aviation sector.
- Fabrum is collaborating with aviation companies to work on liquid hydrogen storage systems, marking a significant step towards zero-emissions operations.
- The hydrogen consortium involving Fabrum, Christchurch Airport, and others is focused on promoting hydrogen-fuelled operations, despite Airbus delaying its hydrogen-powered aircraft plans to 2035.
Fabrum has recently inaugurated a hydrogen testing facility at Christchurch Airport's Kowhai Park, aimed at propelling the development and de-risking of liquid hydrogen technology for aviation applications. The airport, under CEO Justin Watson's leadership, has already achieved a notable 92% reduction in operational emissions and is now dedicated to assisting others in transitioning to a future with lower emissions. Situated within the airport's Kowhai Park energy precinct, the facility will facilitate the advancement of liquefiers, gas management systems, and boil-off gas management technologies. New customers are set to benefit from the capabilities of this facility starting this year. Dr. Ojas Mahapatra, Fabrum's Chief Executive, highlighted ongoing collaborations with aviation firms to pioneer liquid hydrogen storage systems, providing customers with the opportunity to test hydrogen technologies and infrastructures. Christopher Boyle, Fabrum's Executive Chair, emphasized the importance of having liquid hydrogen as an aviation fuel on-site to drive the sector towards a zero-emissions future. The project received co-funding through an Arohia Trailblazer Innovation Grant from Callaghan Innovation, demonstrating support for hydrogen initiatives. Despite Airbus postponing its hydrogen-powered aircraft plans to 2035 citing technological and infrastructure challenges, the consortium involving Fabrum, Christchurch Airport, Fortescue Future Industries, Air New Zealand, Hiringa Energy, and Airbus remains committed to promoting hydrogen as a sustainable aviation fuel.