Revolutionizing Green Transport: University of Nottingham's New Hydrogen Lab

Nottingham Pioneers Sustainable Transport with New Hydrogen Propulsion Lab

The University of Nottingham is ranked 32nd in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024. As a founding member of the Russell Group, it offers life-changing experiences and focuses on unlocking student potential. Inspired by founder Sir Jesse Boot, the university has established campuses in China and Malaysia, creating a globally connected network of education, research, and industry partnerships.

Nottingham was named Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, marking its third win since 2018, and also by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024. Ranked seventh for research power in the UK (REF 2021), the university is known for groundbreaking discoveries like MRI and ibuprofen. Its innovations address global challenges such as sustainable food, modern slavery, greener transport, and reducing fossil fuel use. Additionally, the university is a major employer, and its graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market 2022.

The University of Nottingham leads the Universities for Nottingham initiative, a collaboration with Nottingham Trent University aimed at improving prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health, and well-being for the city and region. The university is launching a new hydrogen propulsion lab on its Jubilee Campus in partnership with Research England and industry partners. This lab will focus on research and high-power testing of advanced propulsion systems for transport industries. It will be connected to the megawatt-class testing facilities and researchers at the nearby Power Electronics and Machines Centre (PEMC), to drive innovations in sustainable and efficient transport solutions.

Funded by Research England’s UK Research Partnership Investment Fund (UKRPIF) and industry partners, the lab will feature cryogenic test capabilities, environmental chambers for altitude testing, and facilities for testing hydrogen, ammonia, and other green fuels. This will strengthen the university's partnerships with industries like aerospace, automotive, marine, and power generation.The announcement coincides with the launch of the university’s new Zero Carbon Innovation Centre, funded by East Midlands Freeport and Loughborough University. These facilities aim to make Jubilee Campus a hub for clean energy and propulsion innovation, supporting the university's goal of driving economic growth through green industries and advanced manufacturing.

Professor Chris Gerada, Professor of Electrical Machines at the University of Nottingham, stated that the new hydrogen lab would be a key step in establishing the East Midlands as a global leader in zero-carbon innovation. The lab is expected to be operational by mid-2026. The university has worked with design teams, including YMD Boon, Turner and Townsend, GF Tomlinson, CPW and Derry’s, and Price & Myers, to develop the facility. This initiative marks a significant step towards positioning Nottingham as a global leader in sustainable and zero-carbon innovation.

Editor's Note:

The University of Nottingham’s commitment to innovation is clear with the launch of its new hydrogen propulsion lab. This project is a major step forward for sustainable transportation and highlights the university's dedication to driving progress. The lab, connected to the Power Electronics and Machines Centre (PEMC), will become a hub for research and innovation in eco-friendly propulsion systems. The involvement of top design teams and industry partners shows the project's potential to make a significant impact. By investing in cutting-edge facilities like the hydrogen propulsion lab and the Zero Carbon Innovation Centre, the university is positioning itself as a leader in the fight against climate change. These labs will foster groundbreaking discoveries that benefit society and contribute to a greener future. The collaboration with industry partners ensures that the research will address real-world problems.

Skoobuzz believes the hydrogen propulsion lab is a bold step toward a sustainable, zero-carbon future, reinforcing the University of Nottingham’s role as a global leader in innovation and environmental responsibility.