en.Wedoany.com Reported - Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has completed the construction of a new facility at the University of Nottingham's Jubilee Campus, designed for research and safe high-power testing of propulsion systems in the transport and power generation sectors, supporting the development and testing of next-generation clean propulsion technologies.
Completed this spring, the specialist laboratory features cryogenic capabilities and an environmental chamber suitable for high-altitude testing, enabling safe high-power testing of propulsion systems using gaseous blended fuels, ammonia, and other green fuels. The facility will support research and innovation across multiple sectors, including aerospace, automotive, marine, and power generation, and is linked to the megawatt-scale physical testing capabilities of the adjacent Power Electronics and Machines Centre (PEMC).
The project involved constructing an advanced steel structure building with metal cladding, designed to harmonise with surrounding campus facilities. High-performance acoustic doors were installed to control operational noise, and photovoltaic (PV) panels were integrated for on-site renewable energy generation, contributing to the project's sustainability goals and a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating.
Funding for the project comes from Research England's flagship 'UK Research Partnership Investment Fund' (UKRPIF) Round 7, the East Midlands Freeport, industry partners, and the university, aiming to create a world-class research environment for the development of future propulsion systems and green fuel technologies.
Throughout the project, G F Tomlinson worked closely with the University of Nottingham and local stakeholders to deliver a range of social value initiatives benefiting students, staff, and the wider community. These included providing 50 apprenticeship weeks on site, along with placement opportunities for two local college students who learned alongside the site management, surveying, and design teams.
The project also invited civil engineering and architecture students from the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University for guided tours and lectures, enhancing their understanding of construction and design to support their academic development.
The project supported the local economy by using regional supply chain partners, with 97% of project expenditure occurring within 40 miles of the site and 99% involving small and medium-sized enterprises. All site waste was diverted from landfill, and over 1,300 miles were travelled using low-emission vehicles.
