G F Tomlinson has officially broken ground on the University of Nottingham’s new hydrogen propulsion systems laboratory, a £5 million state-of-the-art facility set to transform clean energy research at the university's Jubilee Campus.

Scheduled for completion in December, the facility will support advanced research and safe high-power testing of propulsion systems for key transport sectors including aerospace, automotive, marine, and power generation.

The hydrogen propulsion lab will be equipped with cryogenic capabilities and environmental chambers suitable for altitude testing, allowing researchers to work with gaseous hydrogen, ammonia, and other green fuels. It will be integrated with the megawatt-class physical testing capabilities of the nearby Power Electronics and Machines Centre (PEMC).

-- Advertisement --

The project involves the construction of a modern steel frame building clad in metal to complement the surrounding campus architecture. High-performance acoustic doors will ensure noise from testing activities is controlled, while integrated photovoltaic panels will generate on-site renewable energy. The building is targeting a BREEAM 'Very Good' sustainability rating.

Adrian Grocock, managing director of G F Tomlinson, said: "We are proud to be part of this landmark project that will position the University of Nottingham as a regional leader in driving economic growth through green industries and advanced manufacturing. Our longstanding relationship with the university spans over seven capital projects, including our recent work on the Advanced Manufacturing Building on Derby Road, close to the new hydrogen lab site. This new centre, along with its hydrogen propulsion lab, will support world-leading research and play a key role in advancing the UK's clean energy goals."

The project is funded through the seventh round of Research England's UK Research Partnership Investment Fund (UKRPIF), in conjunction with East Midlands Freeport and several industry partners.