£9M grant unlocks green manufacturing investment, 350 jobs, and Scotland’s role in zero-emission flight revolution
RENFREWSHIRE | May 21, 2025 — Aviation decarbonisation pioneer ZeroAvia has announced it will build a major hydrogen-electric manufacturing facility in Renfrewshire, near Glasgow Airport, solidifying Scotland’s place at the heart of the next wave of green aerospace innovation.
The facility, to be located within the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS), will become ZeroAvia’s Hydrogen Centre of Excellence, focused on building and testing zero-emission powertrains and advanced high-temperature PEM (HTPEM) fuel cell stacks. The development is expected to create 350 highly skilled jobs and attract millions in private investment.
Flagship Investment in Green Aviation
The Scottish project is backed by a £9 million Regional Selective Assistance grant from Scottish Enterprise, adding to the momentum generated by:
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£20 million equity investment from the Scottish National Investment Bank
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£32 million cornerstone investment from the UK’s National Wealth Fund
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£10.5 million R&D funding from the UK Government’s ATI Programme (2024)
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£18.5 million total UK R&D funding since 2019
This expansion complements the company’s Washington State Propulsion Center of Excellence (focusing on electric motors and power electronics) and its R&D and aircraft testing centre at Cotswold Airport in Gloucestershire.
Global Demand and Rapid Growth
ZeroAvia is scaling fast, with nearly 3,000 full engine and component pre-orders, representing over $10 billion in future revenues. These include interest from major airlines and aircraft manufacturers seeking sustainable propulsion solutions.
Since flying the world’s first hydrogen-electric commercial aircraft in 2020, the company has:
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More than doubled its fuel cell power output by 2023
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Shipped fuel cell systems to customers
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Advanced toward certification of its powertrains
Political and Industry Endorsement
The project was launched in a high-profile event attended by:
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John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland
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Ian Murray, UK Secretary of State for Scotland
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Val Miftakhov, CEO and Founder of ZeroAvia
John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland:
“ZeroAvia’s decision to establish a base in Scotland – creating 350 highly-skilled jobs – illustrates our global leadership in the transition to net zero. The Hydrogen Centre of Excellence is a hugely exciting proposition for sustainable aviation.”
Ian Murray, UK Secretary of State for Scotland:
“This is a perfect example of the UK and Scottish Governments working together to drive innovation and manufacturing. Our Plan for Change is delivering good, well-paid green jobs.”
Why Scotland?
ZeroAvia chose Renfrewshire and AMIDS due to:
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Proximity to Glasgow Airport
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Strong aerospace and engineering workforce
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Growing hydrogen sector
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Strategic aviation decarbonisation vision
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“With this new facility, Scotland has a big role to play in driving the next era of aviation,” said Val Miftakhov.
About the Site: AMIDS
The Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland is a partnership between Renfrewshire Council and Buccleuch Property, designed to position the region as Scotland’s epicentre for advanced manufacturing and life sciences.
Iain Nicolson, Leader, Renfrewshire Council:
“ZeroAvia brings cutting-edge hydrogen technology and the potential for hundreds of jobs. This marks the beginning of AMIDS becoming home to global innovation in clean tech.”
Wider Industry Impact
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Aerospace Technology Institute CEO Gary Elliott hailed the announcement as “proof that UK aerospace research is delivering national economic impact.”
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Scottish National Investment Bank CEO Al Denholm emphasized hydrogen aviation’s centrality to net-zero goals and praised the “strong market demand” already visible.
Company Profile: ZeroAvia
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2017 |
| CEO | Val Miftakhov |
| Focus | Hydrogen-electric powertrains |
| Notable Milestone | First hydrogen-electric flight (2020) |
| HQs & Centers | USA, UK |
| Global Pre-orders | ~3,000 engines/components |
| Future Revenue Pipeline | $10+ billion |
| UK Public & Private Investment | £100+ million |
This announcement positions Scotland as a leader in zero-emission aviation, with key economic, technological, and environmental benefits:
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Jobs: 350 high-skill roles
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Green economy: Net-zero aviation leadership
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Investment: £9m grant plus tens of millions in private capital
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Innovation: Cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell tech
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Manufacturing future: Boost to Renfrewshire and AMIDS
