HCN and NPL publish report on global hydrogen capability

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and the ATI’s Hydrogen Capability Network (HCN) have published a report on technological advantages in hydrogen and cryogenic testing technologies.

The ATI’s Hydrogen Capability Network (HCN) joined forces with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) to explore leading capabilities in cryogenic and hydrogen testing in Europe and the USA.

Visiting numerous European and American laboratories along the way, including CERN and NASA, the team captured valuable data and understanding on the expertise that exists in Europe and the US and uncovered opportunities for advances and investment in the UK.

The work complements the 2022 Royce Hydrogen Testing Blueprint, which provided a comprehensive snapshot of the UK’s testing capabilities and is currently being updated by the ATI, Royce and NPL. In May 2024, the HCN identified testing infrastructure as one of three immediate key priorities to enable and accelerate the development hydrogen-powered aircraft technologies.

Huw Edwards, Technical Lead – Hydrogen Capability Network and a report author said: “Capitalising on the hydrogen opportunity in aviation will require advanced testing infrastructure, a secure LH₂ supply and expertise to satisfy UK aerospace priority test needs. This report captures the leading capabilities that exist globally and will serve to inform the development of testing infrastructure in the UK.”

 Dr Stefanos Giannis, Science Lead for the Advanced Engineering Materials Group at NPL and one of the authors of the report said: “We visited organisations on both sides of the Atlantic to host joint dialogues and share expert knowledge on materials testing in cryogenic conditions and the handling of liquid hydrogen. We identified the test infrastructure and expertise that exists in Europe and the US and hope our work can inform the roadmap for hydrogen infrastructure needs in the UK and beyond”.

The important findings in this report will help the UK to develop world-class measurement capabilities to underpin the development of hydrogen technologies by UK organisations, and the infrastructure and supply chains to support them.

Click here to download the report.