ZeroAvia has entered into a formal agreement with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) to accelerate the development of composite liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage solutions specifically designed for aircraft. The partnership will see the British-American company provide expert consultation on system design, leveraging its specialized testing infrastructure in the United Kingdom.
The core of the collaboration will be hosted at ZeroAvia’s Liquid Hydrogen Test Centre (LHTC), located at Cotswold Airport. This facility, engineered to comply with stringent ATEX and DSEAR safety regulations, offers a controlled environment for testing cryogenic fuels. Its modified shelters are designed to protect sensitive equipment from weather while ensuring rapid dispersion in the event of a leak, creating a safe space for high-stakes experimentation.
Under the multi-year program, the two entities will guide a storage concept through progressive stages of design validation. The journey will culminate in a comprehensive ground test campaign to verify the system’s performance, durability, and safety under simulated operational conditions. By combining ZeroAvia’s practical experience in aircraft integration with KAERI’s material science and research capabilities, the project aims to overcome one of the critical barriers to zero-emission flight: the safe, lightweight containment of hydrogen at cryogenic temperatures.
John Gallagher, Head of Hydrogen Management Systems at ZeroAvia, emphasized the strategic value of the partnership. He noted that the LHTC represents a world-class asset capable of stress-testing components and full-scale systems across multiple industries. “This partnership with KAERI promises to advance liquid hydrogen aviation capabilities significantly,” Gallagher stated, expressing enthusiasm for the collaborative roadmap ahead.
