GF Tomlinson completes hybrid propulsion test facility

The Midlands contractor handed over a new laboratory at the University of Nottingham's Jubilee Campus this spring. The facility is built for research and high-power testing of propulsion systems using gaseous hybrid, ammonia and other green fuels.

The building includes cryogenic capabilities and environmental chambers for altitude simulation. It connects to the adjacent Power Electronics and Machines Centre, which already has megawatt-class physical testing capacity. The setup supports work across aerospace, automotive, marine and power generation sectors.

G F Tomlinson constructed a steel-frame building with metal cladding, high-performance acoustic doors and rooftop photovoltaic panels. The project achieved a BREEAM 'Very Good' rating. Funding came from Research England's UKRPIF programme, the East Midlands Freeport, industry partners and the university.

During the build, the contractor delivered 50 apprentice weeks on site and provided work placements for two local college students. Civil engineering and architecture students from the university and Nottingham Trent University toured the site. Nearly all project spend went to regional suppliers: 97% within 40 miles, with 99% SME engagement. All site waste was diverted from landfill, and low-emission vehicles covered more than 1,300 miles.

The facility is meant to help the UK advance toward cleaner propulsion technologies, though the timeline for commercial adoption of hybrid and ammonia systems remains uncertain. The laboratory gives researchers a controlled environment to test these fuels at scale before moving to real-world applications.