Johnson Matthey opens a £2.5m Gothenburg H2ICE testing facility, advancing hydrogen engine development for decarbonising heavy-duty transport globally.
Johnson Matthey (JM), a globally recognised leader in sustainable technologies, has officially inaugurated its first dedicated Hydrogen internal combustion engine (H2ICE) testing facility in Gothenburg, Sweden. This landmark development represents a major step forward in the company’s efforts to support low- and zero-carbon mobility solutions for medium- and heavy-duty transportation sectors. The new facility will focus on the testing and validation of advanced emission control systems specifically designed for hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engines.
The Gothenburg H2ICE centre of excellence has been established to significantly enhance JM’s already strong heavy-duty vehicle testing capabilities. Hydrogen internal combustion engines use zero-carbon hydrogen fuel combined with proven engine technology, offering a practical and scalable pathway for reducing emissions from trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles. As the transport sector searches for realistic Decarbonisation solutions that can complement Battery Electric and fuel cell technologies, H2ICE is increasingly being recognised as a near-term option with strong industrial relevance.
First announced in July, the new hydrogen engine testing area has been integrated into Johnson Matthey’s existing Gothenburg site. The facility has been delivered on schedule and within budget, following a total investment of approximately £2.5 million spread over three years. The official opening ceremony was attended by senior JM leaders, including Damien Sotty, Research and Development Director; Daniel Sandqvist, Gothenburg Test Centre Manager; and Jonas Edvardsson, Managing Director of JM Gothenburg.
This strategic investment significantly expands JM’s hydrogen engine testing capabilities by enabling full-engine testing for the first time. As a result, the company can now evaluate catalyst performance within complete engine after-treatment and control systems, rather than in isolated components. This holistic approach provides critical insights that will support evolving regulatory requirements and help JM’s transport-sector customers respond to increasing demands for cleaner and more sustainable mobility solutions.
Commenting on the milestone, Tauseef Salma, Chief Technology Officer for Clean Air at Johnson Matthey, emphasised the company’s confidence in hydrogen internal combustion technology. He stated that the investment demonstrates JM’s belief that H2ICE is a “ready-to-deploy” solution capable of helping mobility partners achieve ambitious decarbonisation and climate targets. According to Salma, the advanced Gothenburg facility reinforces JM’s position as a global leader in sustainable technology solutions, focused on transforming energy systems and reducing carbon emissions worldwide.
The new installation is designed to support hydrogen engines with outputs of up to 600 kW (800 horsepower). It complements Gothenburg’s existing medium- and heavy-duty diesel engine test cells, further strengthening the site’s role as a comprehensive powertrain testing hub. By evaluating catalysts under real-world operating conditions, JM aims to accelerate the development of robust and efficient hydrogen mobility solutions.
This investment builds on Johnson Matthey’s earlier collaboration with Cummins, along with technology partners PHINIA and Zircotec, under Project Brunel1. Launched in November 2021 and successfully completed in March 2025, the project delivered strong proof points demonstrating substantial improvements in H2ICE engine performance and durability.
Key features of the Gothenburg H2ICE facility include an on-site hydrogen supply and storage system with compressors and intermediate storage tanks, hydrogen storage capacity of up to 413 bar, advanced hydrogen flow measurement and analysis equipment, comprehensive exhaust measurement instruments, and robust control, sensing, and safety systems.
Beyond its technical investments, Johnson Matthey continues to play an active role in shaping Europe’s hydrogen mobility ecosystem. The company is a founding member of the Global Hydrogen Mobility Alliance, which brings together more than 30 major automotive, energy, and technology companies. The alliance is calling on EU policymakers to prioritise hydrogen mobility as a critical pillar of Europe’s decarbonisation and industrial strategies.
