Lindum Group is building state-of-the-art test cells that will be vital for progressing research into hydrogen-enabled aviation.
Our team in Peterborough is working for Cranfield University on the first phase of its groundbreaking Cranfield Hydrogen Integration Incubator (CH2i) project.
The £69 million initiative is designed to create the UK’s first large-scale hydrogen research hub at an airport. It is poised to become a leading centre for advancing clean energy technologies and hydrogen-based aviation systems.
The test cells being built by Lindum will provide a dedicated space for both academic and industry partners to collaborate on cutting-edge hydrogen technologies.
A groundbreaking ceremony has taken place to mark the start of work was attended by Cllr Sue Clark, Ward Councillor for Cranfield and Marston Moretaine, who toured the emerging facilities along with Dr. Mohamed Aly of Rolls-Royce and representatives from Lindum.
Work on the cells are expected to be completed by summer.
Professor Dame Karen Holford, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of Cranfield University, emphasised the importance of the project, stating, “This is a major milestone in a large and exciting project that will bring new capabilities to our research landscape. Cranfield has a strong track record in delivering complex research facilities, and the ecosystem we are building with CH2i will pave the way for academic and industry collaborations to advance hydrogen as a green fuel of the future.”
Cranfield University, the only university in Europe with its own airport, is uniquely positioned to lead this transformative project. The CH2i project will address the technical challenges of hydrogen-enabled aviation, from developing fuel systems and aircraft designs to advancing hydrogen production technologies.
The project includes the creation of the Hydrogen Integration Research Centre, an upgrade to existing test areas, and the development of Cranfield Airport’s infrastructure to support hydrogen aircraft testing.
Lindum MD Darren King said: “We are delighted to be involved in this groundbreaking project that supports the future of sustainable aviation. Our team will be instrumental in bringing these advanced research facilities to life, contributing to the success of one of the UK’s most ambitious hydrogen research initiatives.”
The project is funded by Research England, alongside significant support from industry partners, and represents the largest research funding win in Cranfield University’s history. It aligns with the UK government’s 2040 target for net-zero emissions in aviation, a goal that CH2i will help accelerate through pioneering hydrogen research and development.
