Photo credit – YMD Boon

Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has officially commenced construction on the University of Nottingham’s highly anticipated hydrogen propulsion systems lab at the Jubilee Campus.

Construction works for the £5 million groundbreaking facility are expected to complete in December and once finished it will enable research and safe high-power testing of propulsion systems for transport industries.

The hydrogen propulsion systems lab will feature cryogenic capabilities and environmental chambers suitable for altitude testing, enabling the safe high-power testing of propulsion systems using gaseous hydrogen, ammonia, and other green fuels – to support industries including aerospace, automotive, marine and power generation. It will be connected to the megawatt-class physical testing capabilities of the nearby Power Electronics and Machines Centre (PEMC).

The works will involve the creation of a state-of-the-art steel frame building with metal cladding to complement surrounding properties. The building will include high-performance acoustic doors to manage noise levels from the activities within the lab, and the design will include integrated photovoltaic (PV) panels to generate on-site renewable energy, helping the project achieve 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.”

Chris Gerada, Professor of Electrical Machines and lead for strategic research and innovation initiatives at the University of Nottingham, added: “We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with G F Tomlinson, who are already on site delivering the Central Building refurbishment at the Castle Meadow Campus. Their experience and expertise in delivering high-quality, innovative projects make them the ideal partner for our new hydrogen propulsion systems lab. This world-class facility and the R&D programmes will deepen our partnership with industries including aerospace, automotive, marine and power generation.”

The project is funded by round seven of Research England’s flagship UK Research Partnership Investment Fund (UKRPIF) and East Midlands Freeport, together with industry partners.

G F Tomlinson will work closely with the University of Nottingham, local schools, and other educational institutions to provide careers support. Regular updates will be shared with students, staff, and the wider community via newsletters and social media, and the project will include site tours for university staff and students.