UK prospects in hydrogen flight could be delayed by storage challenge

The UK’s prospects in liquid hydrogen (LH2) aviation could be held back by critical gaps in on-aircraft cryogenic hydrogen fuel storage, a new report from the Aerospace Technology Institute’s Hydrogen Capability Network has warned.

The report, which maps out the UK’s cryogenic and hydrogen materials testing landscape, identified a lack of mechanical, thermal, and micro/nano-scale non-destructive testing under hydrogen conditions, which are critical for ensuring the safety and efficiency of LH2-powered aircraft.

Currently, only a single mechanical testing capability is being commissioned, at Cranfield University, while other testing areas remain underdeveloped.

Testing capabilities exist across several UK academic institutions and research organisations, including the National Physical Laboratory, the University of Oxford, and the UK Atomic Energy Authority. However, capacity remains limited, and expansion is needed to support the UK’s ambitions in zero-emission aviation, the report warns.