‘HyPoint is the kind of visionary tech company that we welcome’

The UK’s potential to be a global leader in the development of hydrogen-powered aviation uses has been recognised following a multimillion investment by a Silicon Valley-based US business into Kent.

HyPoint is investing £11m in its team, as well as a new research, development and production centre at Discovery Park, Kent. It is part of its commitment to advancing zero carbon-emission aviation by developing its turbo air-cooled hydrogen fuel cell systems for aviation and urban air mobility, in the UK.

The NASA award-winning hydrogen fuel cell pioneer is accelerating hydrogen innovation in the UK, from its new flagship location, less than two hours southeast of London. From its new facilities, HyPoint will apply its technology for a variety of aviation and urban air mobility uses, including for logistic drones, air taxis, electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs), and fixed-wing airplanes.

Over the next two years, the company plans to increase its team to more than 50 employees at the Sandwich-based science and innovation park.

The environmental potential offered by HyPoint was recognised by 10 Downing Street at the Green Investment Summit in October 2021. By the end of 2025, the company expects to employ more than 100 workers and have 100 megawatts of onsite plant capacity.

Transport Minister Trudy Harrison, who serves as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport, said: “HyPoint is the kind of visionary tech company that we welcome. This Government is developing an ambitious Jet Zero Strategy and we recognise the role that hydrogen could play in decarbonising the industry. This move is a strong vote of confidence in the UK and a major boost for green jobs in the local area.”

Dr Alex Ivanenko, HyPoint’s founder and chief executive, added: “With its massive technical and academic talent pool, a globally-recognised ecosystem of hydrogen manufacturers, and strong transport decarbonisation targets, the UK is well-positioned to become a global leader in the hydrogen economy.

“We are thrilled to bring our team and technology to the world-class Discovery Park science and innovation hub, which is already home to industry giants such as Pfizer. This location will enable us to accelerate the development and delivery of our hydrogen fuel cell technology to aviation and aeronautical companies in the UK and around the world.

“Our work is critical to unlocking further and faster decarbonisation of aviation and urban air mobility, whilst also creating economic activity and jobs across the country to support the long-term sustainability of the UK’s aviation industry.”

Commenting on what the arrival of HyPoint means for Kent, Mayer Schreiber, CEO of Discovery Park, said: “Discovery Park has always sought to be home to companies tackling the biggest issues facing our global community. Harnessing hydrogen for aviation offers the potential to transform our economy and at the same time, protect our environment by dramatically reducing CO₂ emissions.

“HyPoint’s multimillion pound arrival clearly demonstrates their confidence in Discovery Park as a home for world-leading industrial biotechnology delivered through global partnership and innovation.”