Haskel - Industry partners pioneer critical hydrogen infrastructure
Posted on 23 October 2023
Protium, the UK's leading green hydrogen energy services company, is working together with hydrogen
industry leaders to deliver an ambitious project that could enable hydrogen-powered aircraft to take off
from UK airports sooner than anticipated. Project HEART is a collaborative R&D project part funded by
the UK Research & Innovation Future Flight Challenge from. It is facilitating end-to-end hydrogen
infrastructure capable of safely fuelling hydrogen aircraft, while simultaneously showcasing the
increasing feasibility of green hydrogen technology within aviation. The endeavour will also help to shape
future government policy in the sustainable aviation sector.
Protium has partnered with Haskel, the UK’s leading manufacturer of hydrogen compression systems;
and Nel Hydrogen, the hydrogen generation and distribution specialist. The pivotal integration of Haskel's
ultra-efficient hydrogen compression system with a Nel Hydrogen electrolyser – a UK deployment record
of the largest molecule distribution at scale equipment for Nel – will deliver hydrogen to power fuel cell-
electric propulsion aircraft in trials.
Project HEART's initial focus lies in regional airports, where it is developing a refuelling solution catering
to aircraft carrying 9 to 19 passengers and a range of 500 miles. By harnessing sector-leading expertise
and cutting-edge technology, the project is delivering a comprehensive solution that encompasses off-
site hydrogen production, its transference to site, and refuelling of the fuel cell-electric propulsion
aircraft via a mobile refueller.
The project’s commitment to advancing safety around net zero aviation is evident in its close
collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority. A series of insightful workshops is contributing valuable
input and suggestions towards shaping future government policies related to hydrogen aircraft.
Simon Masters, Deputy Director for the Future Flight Challenge, added, “Project HEART is delivering
cutting-edge R&D solutions, showcasing how Hydrogen could very soon become a key part of aviation
and an enabler for Net Zero travel. We are delighted to be working with Protium, Haskel and other
project partners to deliver this vital research, which is an important step towards the introduction of
hydrogen for passenger aircraft operations.”
Commenting on the partnership, Jake Martin, Haskel’s Hydrogen Business Development Manager EMEAI,
said: “Working with leading innovators and specialists in their field, we share a common goal of enabling
sustainable and cost-effective transport solutions to revolutionise air travel.
Haskel has seen increased demand for our GENO hydrogen compression systems within the tube trailer
filling market in particular, and our standardised MP500 offers the perfect solution for aviation. We look
forward to the exciting opportunities ahead!”
Said Spencer Lambrecht: “Project HEART represents the first MW green hydrogen generation project in
the UK to begin production, with planned operation to start in mid-2024. Nel’s containerized MW system
is based upon its safe and reliable PEM technology that has been utilised historically for the English naval
fleet.
With over 25 years of experience in hydrogen generation, Nel is excited to support Project HEART on this
first-of-its-kind system.”
Jon Constable, Protium’s Chief Asset & Engineering Officer, emphasised the significance of the project;
“We’re immensely proud to be working alongside hydrogen leaders with unrivalled experience to
demonstrate that green hydrogen for aircraft is viable and increasingly closer as a solution for net zero
aviation.”
Further information on Project Heart
The hydrogen infrastructure will be installed at a hydrogen production site, called Pioneer 2, in South Wales.
With production planned to start in mid-2024, Pioneer 2 will support both the Project HEART trials and
hydrogen requirements from industry in the future. Pioneer 2 is owned and managed by Protium, forming part
of its hydrogen network across the UK to provide green hydrogen for transport and industry.
Project HEART is partially funded by the ISFC Future Flight Challenge (FFC) run by Innovate UK. The aim of the
FFC competition is to develop and demonstrate integrated aviation systems enabling the introduction of new
classes of electric and/or autonomous air vehicles. The FFC is a 3-phase Programme which started in 2019.
About Protium
Protium is a UK-based hydrogen solutions provider for project operators, developers, and investors. Founded
in 2019, the company provides services including project origination, design, and funding to support the
deployment of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.
About Haskel
Haskel, a business of the Precision and Science Technologies Segment at Ingersoll Rand, is the global leader in
high-pressure liquid and gas transfer and compression technology solutions for critical applications in
hydrogen mobility, aerospace and defence, energy, and other industries. The organisation’s Hydrogen Systems
Group supports the development of global refuelling infrastructure, including hydrogen fuelling stations and
hydrogen dispensing solutions. With over 70 years of expertise, Haskel’s leadership in the market is built on a
reputation of safety, reliability, and the highest quality. Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR), is a global leader in mission-
critical flow creation and industrial technologies. For more information, visit www.IRCO.com and
www.haskel.com.UK Research and Innovation Future Flight Challenge
The UK Research and Innovation Future Flight Challenge is a £300 million programme, co-funded by
government and industry, that is supporting the creation of the aviation ecosystem needed to accelerate the
introduction of advanced air mobility (AAM), drones, and electric sub-regional aircraft in the UK.
Delivered by Innovate UK and the Economic and Social Research Council, the programme works with industry,
academia, government, and regulators to transform how we connect people, transport goods, and deliver
services in a sustainable way that provides socio-economic benefits using new types of air vehicles with novel
technologies.
About Nel
Nel is a global, dedicated hydrogen company, delivering optimal solutions to produce and distribute hydrogen
from renewable energy. The company dates back to 1927 and now offers hydrogen solutions across the entire
value chain.
Media contact:
Madano
haskel@madano.com
