Christchurch Airport gets hydrogen testing facility

Zero-emissions technologyy firm Fabrum is launching a green hydrogen testing facility at Christchurch Airport to support decarbonisation projects in the aviation industry.

The liquid hydrogen testing facility will be part of the airport’s 400-hectare Kōwhai Park renewable energy development near the runway. It enables the development of liquefiers, gas management systems, and boil-off gas management technologies. 

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 says the test facility demonstrates the commitment and progress of the 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,” Boyle says.

Christchurch Airport chief executive Justin Watson says the facility is an 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 chief executive Dr Ojas Mahapatrasays 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,” Mahapatrasays.

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 New Zealand innovation ecosystem and have global potential.