ZeroAvia: Green Light for Scottish Manufacturing Hub
Deal News | May 22, 2025 | Scottish Enterprise
In a strategic move to bolster Scotland's green energy sector, ZeroAvia, a US-based developer of hydrogen-electric aero engines, is set to establish a major manufacturing facility in Scotland's Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District. Supported by a £9 million grant from Scottish Enterprise, this initiative promises to create around 350 high-skilled jobs and significantly position Scotland in the global hydrogen aviation market. The facility, which will manufacture advanced fuel cell systems for hydrogen-electric engines, is part of ZeroAvia's broader plan to capture a segment of the multi-billion-pound global market for sustainable aviation technology. The company aims to debut engines for up to 20-seat planes by 2026 and is developing systems for larger aircraft. The investment is particularly significant in Scotland's push towards sustainable development and speaks to the country's strategic capabilities in innovation and green technology. Prominent figures including Scotland's First Minister John Swinney and Scottish Enterprise Chief Executive Adrian Gillespie have welcomed the move, highlighting the potential for Scotland to lead in the transition to net-zero aviation.
Sectors
- Aerospace and Defense
- Green Energy
- Advanced Manufacturing
Geography
- Scotland – The new manufacturing base for ZeroAvia will be located in Scotland, highlighting the region's role in green technology and economic development.
- United States – ZeroAvia is a US-based company expanding its operations internationally, including the establishment of the facility in Scotland.
Industry
- Aerospace and Defense – The article discusses ZeroAvia's development of hydrogen-electric aero engines and their strategic establishment in Scotland, a significant move within the aerospace sector.
- Green Energy – ZeroAvia's focus on hydrogen-powered engines is aligned with the green energy sector, emphasizing sustainable aviation solutions.
- Advanced Manufacturing – The article outlines ZeroAvia’s plans to open a manufacturing facility in Scotland, contributing to advanced manufacturing through innovative fuel cell systems.
Financials
- £9 million – Grant awarded by Scottish Enterprise to ZeroAvia for establishing a manufacturing base in Scotland.
- £20 million – Previous investment by the Scottish National Investment Bank into ZeroAvia.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZeroAvia | Target Company | Company | A US-based developer of hydrogen-electric aero engines aiming to expand manufacturing in Scotland. |
| Scottish Enterprise | PE Firm | Company | Awarded a £9 million grant to ZeroAvia to establish a manufacturing hub in Scotland. |
| Scottish National Investment Bank | Investor | Company | Previously invested £20 million in ZeroAvia, supporting its green technology initiatives. |
| Val Miftakhov | CEO | Person | Founder and Chief Executive of ZeroAvia, leading the company’s development in Scotland. |
| John Swinney | Government | Person | First Minister of Scotland, endorsing ZeroAvia’s investment as a strategic move towards net-zero aviation. |
| Adrian Gillespie | Executive | Person | Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, emphasizing the importance of fostering green technologies. |