The duo on Thursday (March 3) unveiled the Digital Twin project, through which they will develop unique refuelling infrastructure via a digital win approach to accelerate both the design and testing.

It is hoped that with the introduction of digital software, the partnership will be able to explore the decision space to optime a system design and then stimulate and optimise real-world performance to reduce the need for expensive prototyping.

To achieve the above, Protium will combine its expertise in the aircraft industry, with Siemens’ advanced process modelling technology for digital design.

Dr. Jen Baxter, Director of Innovation and Policy at Protium, said, “This novel approach to designing refuelling systems will increase confidence and understanding in the capabilities of emerging hydrogen technology, increase uptake across the UK and accelerate the transition to zero emission flight and tackle climate change”.

Bart de Groot, Business Manager Operational Excellence Solutions, Process Automation at Siemens, added, “Siemens is working extensively with clean energy innovators to help bring new technologies to market as rapidly as possible. We are very excited to be working with Protium to reduce time-to-market in the challenging area of zero-emission flight.”