US-based ZeroAvia is developing the world’s first zero-emission engines for commercial aviation and will advance its operations with the creation of a Hydrogen Centre of Excellence and manufacturing facility within AMIDS.

The high-temperature fuel cells that ZeroAvia will manufacture in the planned facility are key to unlocking fuel cell propulsion for larger aircraft as the company develops the next generation of fuel cell aircraft engines.

The project is set to unlock millions in private investment and support hundreds of jobs within the advanced manufacturing district developed by Renfrewshire Council and Buccleuch Property, which is establishing Renfrewshire as Scotland’s home for manufacturing innovation and is home to anchor tenants the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) and Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC).

Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson said: “We are delighted to welcome ZeroAvia to AMIDS as they bring cutting-edge technology and expertise to Renfrewshire, and the potential for hundreds of jobs and millions in private investment coming into the local economy.

“Working with Buccleuch Property, we will continue to provide a sector-leading environment for advanced manufacturing and life science businesses to locate and collaborate and we believe ZeroAvia will be the first of many to call AMIDS home in the coming years.”

First Minister of Scotland John Swinney supported the announcement at an event held at Glasgow Airport, saying: “Growing the hydrogen sector is a key priority of the Scottish Government’s Green Industrial Strategy and ZeroAvia’s decision to establish a base in Scotland is the perfect example of that strategy being delivered. The Hydrogen Centre of Excellence will be at the forefront of fuel cell technology and provide hundreds of highly skilled jobs.

“Attracting inward investment is critical to economic growth and we will continue working with our economic development agencies to bring more high-quality jobs to Scotland. The global transition to net zero provides opportunities across every part of Scotland’s economy.”

The new facility will complement ZeroAvia’s Propulsion Center of Excellence in Washington State, which is focusing primarily on electric motors and power electronics. The company also has plans to expand its R&D and aircraft testing centre at Cotswold Airport in Gloucestershire.

Val Miftakhov, founder and chief executive, ZeroAvia, said: “Scotland has some unique advantages for ZeroAvia with strong aerospace and engineering skills, a burgeoning hydrogen sector and a clear aviation strategy with potential for early adoption of zero-emission flights. The aviation industry is on the cusp of the biggest transformation since the advent of the jet age, with entirely new propulsion systems set to power the next era of aviation – cleaner flights, better economics and better experiences for all.

“With this new facility, Scotland has a big role to play in driving this transformation. We welcome the grant award from Scottish Enterprise and the support of our equity investors that has enabled us to move into another phase of manufacturing readiness as we progress towards certification of our first engines.”

The project has been made possible by a £9m Regional Selective Assistance grant from Scottish Enterprise.

Adrian Gillespie, chief executive, Scottish Enterprise, said: “It is fantastic that we’ve been able to attract ZeroAvia to Scotland, not only for the jobs they will be creating, but for the hugely important role they can play in ensuring Scotland maintains its reputation for fostering innovative green technologies.

“Making aviation sustainable is crucial to a successful green economy and Scottish Enterprise is fully committed to backing ambitious companies with innovative ideas. ZeroAvia’s decision to come to Scotland is a real boost to our energy transition leadership, as well as being a further example of why Scotland is such a great place for inward investment.”

ZeroAvia have also received an equity investment of £20m from the Scottish National Investment Bank as part of the company’s Series C investment, with the UK National Wealth Fund investing £32m as a cornerstone-level investor in the round. The Series C funding round was led by Airbus, Barclays Sustainable Impact Capital and NEOM Investment Fund.

Al Denholm, chief executive of Scottish National Investment Bank, said: “Decarbonising aviation and developing our hydrogen industry are critical elements in our journey toward a net zero economy. Having ZeroAvia’s manufacturing base near Glasgow Airport will bring highly skilled jobs to the area, and we’re particularly pleased to see the demand that already exists for this innovative technology.”

ZeroAvia will advance planning of its facility at AMIDS over the next few months and also plan to locate team members at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland.