New Zealand’s Fabrum has unveiled a hydrogen testing facility in partnership with Christchurch Airport to support the development of green hydrogen-powered technologies, primarily in aviation. The partnership will see a test site established as part of the CIAL’s Kowhai Park, renewable energy precinct. Fabrum and Christchurch Airport are partners in a hydrogen consortium with Airbus, Fortescue Future Industries (FFI), Air New Zealand, and Hiringa Energy, which was established in 2023 to bring zero-emission aviation to life in New Zealand.
Fabrum executive chair Christopher Boyle said the test facility demonstrates the commitment and progress of Fabrum, Christchurch Airport and its hydrogen consortium partners to building a hydrogen ecosystem, with aviation as a key focus. “We’re proud to be working with Christchurch Airport to offer a world-class facility that supports the development and testing of hydrogen solutions to support global decarbonisation efforts. Having liquid hydrogen as an aviation fuel available on-site is vital for the aviation sector, rapidly advancing towards hydrogen-fuelled operations to unlock a zero-emissions future. This collaboration with Christchurch Airport further positions Christchurch as a hub for liquid hydrogen activity.”
Christchurch Airport chief executive Justin Watson said, “This facility is another example of how Christchurch Airport is enabling innovation and collaboration to drive decarbonisation. Having already reduced our own operational emissions by 92%, we’re now focused on helping others transition to a low-emissions future. By partnering with Fabrum and global industry leaders, we’re not just supporting the transition—we’re at the cutting edge of the sector, leading the way for us to play a key role in accelerating hydrogen adoption in aviation and beyond.”
Fabrum established its advanced liquid hydrogen test facility on land leased from Christchurch Airport in its 400-hectare Kowhai Park energy precinct. Fabrum’s facility enables the development of liquefiers, gas management systems, and boil-off gas management technologies.
Fabrum chief executive Dr Ojas Mahapatra says the facility provides a critical resource for companies developing liquid hydrogen systems, offering them a dedicated space to test and refine their technologies. “We look forward to welcoming the first customers to the new facility in 2025. Fabrum is already working with aviation companies globally to develop liquid hydrogen storage systems, and our customers will be among the first to test the performance and reliability of hydrogen technologies and infrastructure. While primarily catering to Fabrum’s clients, we would also like to invite like-minded companies for joint ventures and development projects to test their technology in the facility before it is deployed in the real world.”
In 2024 Fabrum received co-funding support for the hydrogen test-site initiative through an Ārohia Trailblazer Innovation Grant from Callaghan Innovation, designed to support businesses that are benefiting the Aotearoa New Zealand innovation ecosystem and have global potential.
Boyle adds that by bringing hydrogen testing and excellence facilities to the innovation ecosystem, Fabrum will facilitate partnerships and alliances to de-risk technology and advance hydrogen projects domestically and internationally.
Airbus pauses hydrogen development
Airbus said recently it is delaying plans to develop a hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft by the middle of next decade, citing slower than expected developments in technology. The delay marks a setback to the European aerospace group’s ambitions to pioneer the adoption of hydrogen fuel as aviation strives to curtail emissions, a goal strongly championed by CEO Guillaume Faury since it was first introduced five years ago, according to a Reuters report. Airbus did not give a new timeline for the project, but the Force Ouvriere union said that staff had been told earlier this week that the technology was running five to 10 years behind the pace needed to support the original 2035 target. The delay was first reported by French news agency AFP.
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