Intelligent Energy to Open Megawatt Fuel Cell Test Facility

Intelligent Energy is to invest £7.1 million ($9.2 million) in a fuel cell testing facility at Chelveston Renewable Energy Park in Northamptonshire, U.K.

The centre, scheduled to open next year, will test hydrogen fuel cells with a capacity of up to 1.3 MW.

The project includes the installation of an Enapter AEM electrolyser, which will use renewable energy from the park to produce over 100,000kg of green hydrogen per year. This hydrogen will power fuel cells, supporting the UK’s renewable energy strategy.

The facility will feature two custom-built test labs supplied by Finnish company Proventia. The labs will test high-power fuel cells for aerospace and automotive applications, focusing on their performance and durability.

David Woolhouse, CEO of UK fuel cell manufacturer Intelligent Energy, said: “Once operational, our Chelveston facility will be one of the leading fuel cell testing facilities in Europe and will demonstrate how much-needed green hydrogen can be produced from renewable sources.

“This is not only a significant step towards decarbonising high-emissions industries such as aviation, but also a step towards energy storage solutions that could further encourage the use of renewable energy sources.”

Hydrogen fuel technology has the potential to play a key role in decarbonising air travel for regional and sub-regional aircraft. The increased testing capacity at Chelveston will also help 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. The green, zero-emission energy produced by the fuel cells during the testing process will be fed back into the Chelveston grid.

David Wykes of Chelveston Renewable Energy Park said: “We are delighted that Chelveston Renewable Energy Park has been selected as the location for the new Intelligent Energy testbed. Chelveston is fast becoming an ideal location for developing new technologies that will support the transition to a zero emission and sustainable economy.”

“With energy generated from wind and solar, the facility we have built at Chelveston Renewable Energy Park means that research and development can be carried out in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way.”