The test site will be built on a plot of land of about 1,000 square meters provided by the Municipality of Payerne. The site will be equipped and secured to carry out tests on propulsion systems using hydrogen as fuel, as well as other innovative technologies.
Once the construction permit procedure is completed, Destinus and its contractors – including several regional companies – will set up the test site. Its operation is planned for an initial period of three years with the possibility of an extension. As the test site location will not be used for the technology park's future expansion, it will not interfere with other projects currently under study and in various stages of development.
The test site will be a leading R&D center for hydrogen applications in aerospace and beyond, and will allow Destinus to test and validate the technologies necessary to achieve its ambitions. Destinus is also advancing its technology roadmap through numerous collaborations with various Universities, companies and institutions such as the Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz, engine producer Industria de Turbo Propulsores and the Spanish National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA). Thus, talented young students will have the opportunity to work on hydrogen projects in a safe, controlled and unique facility in Switzerland.
State-of-the-art facilities in the field of hydrogen technology
This initiative represents an important additional asset for the swiss aeropole technology park. The realization of Destinus’ test site is excellent news for the Swiss aerospace industry, as well as for numerous suppliers, partners and researchers who will be able to benefit from state-of-the-art facilities in the field of hydrogen in particular. The visibility and attractiveness of swiss aeropole will be significantly boosted by this test site, which will constitute an asset for the economic development of the region.
“After years of very strong growth, the visibility and attractiveness of our location will be significantly boosted by the Destinus test site; this is excellent news for the Swiss aerospace industry and for many suppliers, partners and researchers who will be able to benefit from state-of-the-art facilities in the field of hydrogen in particular,” concludes Massimo Fiorin, Managing Director of swiss aeropole SA.
