Netherlands Opens Europe's First Hydrogen Aircraft Testing Facility
Amsterdam, Thursday, 11 December 2025.
The Dutch aerospace center has launched a groundbreaking facility that can test hydrogen-powered aircraft propulsion systems at extreme temperatures of minus 253 degrees Celsius.
First-of-Its-Kind Testing Capabilities in Europe
The Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) officially opened its Energy to Propulsion Test Facility (EPTF) in Marknesse on November 30, 2025 [1][2]. This facility represents a European first, as it is the only location on the continent where complete hydrogen-electric aircraft propulsion systems can be comprehensively tested under realistic operating conditions [3]. The modular design of the EPTF enables flexible testing configurations, allowing researchers to evaluate either complete propulsion chains or individual components depending on research requirements [1]. Unlike previous testing setups, this facility can handle the extreme technical challenges posed by liquid hydrogen, which must be stored at temperatures reaching minus 253 degrees Celsius [3][4].
Strategic Focus on Different Flight Segments
Martin Nagelsmit, Chief Technology Officer at NLR, outlined the facility’s strategic approach to different aviation segments during the facility’s launch [1]. For short-haul flights with limited passenger capacity, battery-electric aircraft present new mobility opportunities [1]. The regional segment, covering distances up to 2,000 kilometers, represents a promising market for hydrogen-electric aircraft solutions [1][2]. For medium-haul flights extending to approximately 4,000 kilometers, hydrogen combustion technology offers a viable option for the majority of single-aisle aircraft fleets, particularly those serving busy European routes or destinations in North Africa [1]. This segmented approach acknowledges that 95 percent of global flights do not exceed 4,000 kilometers, making hydrogen technologies applicable to the vast majority of aviation operations [1].
Technical Challenges and Safety Protocols
The facility addresses critical technical challenges associated with hydrogen aviation fuel. Paul Arendsen from NLR explained that while gaseous hydrogen is lightweight, its volume makes it impractical for aircraft applications [1]. Compressed gas storage requires excessively heavy tanks, making liquid hydrogen the optimal solution for aviation despite its storage complexities [1]. The extreme cooling requirements to minus 253 degrees Celsius create substantial technical challenges for propulsion components and materials [1]. The facility specifically investigates how lightweight composite storage tanks and propulsion system components behave under such extreme temperature conditions [1][4]. Safety protocols are paramount, with the facility equipped with comprehensive ventilation systems, strategic component spacing, and specialized procedures to prevent ignition risks [4].
Industry Collaboration and Market Impact
The EPTF serves as an open innovation platform, welcoming startups, small and medium enterprises, and industrial partners to test newly developed sustainable aviation technologies [1][4]. This collaborative approach aims to accelerate the transition from laboratory concepts to market-ready solutions, thereby shortening development cycles for hydrogen aviation technologies [1][4]. The facility’s accessibility to external parties represents a strategic investment in Europe’s position within the global sustainable aviation market [4]. By providing reliable, safe, and validated hydrogen solutions testing capabilities, the facility supports the broader goal of contributing to societal objectives related to climate neutrality [1]. The timing aligns with the European Union’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050, requiring substantial reductions in CO₂ emissions across all transport sectors [1].