Fabrum, a New Zealand company leading the world in zero-emission transition technologies, 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.
Left to right: Christchurch Airport’s Claire Waghorn (Sustainability Transition Leader) and Justin Watson (CEO) with Fabrum’s executive chair Christopher Boyle at Fabrum's hydrogen test site at Christchurch Airport. Image Credit: Fabrum
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 decarbonization 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 decarbonization. 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.”
Christchurch Hydrogen Test Facility: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Hydrogen Future
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.