Hydrogen Capability Network
The ATI’s Hydrogen Capability Network (HCN), which built on key findings from the FlyZero project, looked at the UK’s readiness to secure the future hydrogen opportunity.
Hydrogen capability networksecuring competitive advantage
The Hydrogen Capability Network explored the challenge of enabling liquid hydrogen capability in the UK Over 24 months to March 2025. The HCN project engaged with industry, academia, regulators and liquid hydrogen suppliers to identify challenges, coordinate research, and recommend actions that will position UK at the forefront of zero-carbon emission flight.
Over 24 months to March 2025, the HCN engaged with industry, academia, regulators and liquid hydrogen suppliers to identify challenges, coordinate research and recommend actions that will enable zero-carbon emission flight.
This engagement and the work of the HCN is now integrated into the main ATI organisation and the project has concluded.
Download the HCN’s reports including ‘ What next for hydrogen in aviation?’ which sets out the immediate priorities for action to accelerate the development of hydrogen aircraft technologies.
hcn key findings
A summary of the HCN’s recommendations have been consolidated below
LH2 Fundamental Research
- Fundamental research is required in cryogenic materials, thermofluids and health and safety.
- The UK needs to develop fundamental science, data and understanding, through a standardised approach
- Integrating and coordinating research across TRLs will enable the rapid transfer of knowledge from academia to industry.
- Experimental testing is required to generate aerospace relevant datasets.
LH2 Aircraft Technologies & Supply Chain
- The Cryogenic hydrogen storage and fuel system has been identified as a critical area for development, requiring significant technological advancements.
- Components such as sensors, pumps, valves and pipes that are reliable and certifiable in a cryogenic environment are needed for the fuel system
- Supporting the UK’s supply chain and providing access to research and data at an early stage will build capability and allow manufacturers to develop products for this market.
LH2 test infrastructure and LH2 supply
- Investment in UK-based test facilities is needed to accelerate understanding of LH2 and enable the production of experimental data.
- Experimental facilities would enable research at all levels, creates experimental data and improves the UK’s skills base for handling LH2.
- Supply of LH2 is needed in the UK and providing access will enable increased research, testing and skills development.
Cryogenic Hydrogen Skills
- There is a need to build a community to accelerate the growth of the talent pool in the UK, whilst also supporting technology development.
- Through the provision of signposting, training support, conferences and community building, the UK will be able to grow the skills base at an adequate pace to support the development of LH2 technologies.
flyzero access the flyzero reports
The HCN built on the findings from the ATI’s FlyZero project exploring zero-carbon emission flight which concluded in 2022. A suite of open source documents is available to view now while a series of more detailed and technical reports together with supporting research from industry and academia is available to organisations that meet the requirements of an access test.
