Intelligent Energy is investing £7.1 million (US$9.2 million) in a fuel cell testing facility at Chelveston Renewable Energy Park in Northamptonshire, UK.
The facility, which is set to open next year will test hydrogen fuel cells with outputs up to 1.3MW.
The project includes the installation of an Enapter AEM electrolyser, which will use renewable energy from the park to produce more than 100,000kg of green hydrogen annually. This hydrogen will power the fuel cells, supporting the UK’s renewable energy strategy.
The facility will feature two bespoke test laboratories supplied by Finland-based Proventia. The laboratories will test high-power fuel cells for aviation and automotive applications, focusing on their capability and durability.
David Woolhouse, CEO at UK-based fuel cell developer Intelligent Energy said, “Once operational, our facility at Chelveston will be one of the foremost fuel cell testing facilities in Europe and demonstrate how much-needed green hydrogen can be generated from renewables.
“This is not only a significant step towards the decarbonization of emissions-heavy industries such as aviation, but also a step towards the energy storage solutions that could further encourage the uptake of renewables.”
Hydrogen fuel technology could play a crucial role in decarbonizing air travel for regional and sub-regional aircraft. The increased testing capacity at Chelveston will also work to improve the power density and efficiency of fuel cells for the aviation sector.
The new facility aligns with the commitment to efficiency and sustainability shared by Intelligent Energy and Chelveston Renewable Energy Park. Zero-carbon green energy produced by the fuel cells during the testing process will be fed back into the Chelveston grid.
David Wykes from Chelveston Renewable Energy Park said, “We are pleased Chelveston Renewable Energy Park has been chosen as a location for Intelligent Energy’s new test facility. Chelveston is fast becoming an ideal site to develop new technologies which aid the transition toward a zero-emission, sustainable economy.”
“With energy generated through wind and solar, the facility we’ve built at Chelveston Renewable Energy Park means research and development can be conducted in an affordable and environmentally friendly way.”
