Together with Skellefteå Kraft, ZeroAvia and the airline BRA, Skellefteå Airport is making a joint investment in hydrogen-powered aviation in Sweden.
The initiative is part of the ELIS development program, which aims to accelerate the development of electrified aviation.
The initiative is based on ZeroAvia's technology, which involves developing a hydrogen-powered powertrain that is integrated into existing aircraft models.
The initiative is divided into three parts. The first step is a joint feasibility study that will look at the commercial conditions for regional hydrogen-powered air traffic with Skellefteå as a starting point. The feasibility study will also map the conditions and structure for the second step. This involves setting up a demonstration program in Skellefteå. This will demonstrate the entire value chain, from the production and distribution of green hydrogen to handling and refueling in the airport environment and actual flights on selected test routes to and from Skellefteå. The third step is about a commercial implementation and will build on the knowledge from the previous work.
-Hydrogen-powered aviation is an extremely interesting solution for sustainably increasing regional accessibility. Skellefteå and all of northern Sweden are dependent on increased accessibility in the future and through this investment we want to be at the forefront of developing technology, business models and infrastructure, says Robert Lindberg, CEO of Skellefteå Airport.
Hydrogen-powered aviation, where the electric motor gets its energy from a fuel cell, is a form of electric aviation. ZeroAvia is at the international forefront of this technology and the company has conducted a number of successful test flights in the UK.
-We have assembled an extremely competent consortium. The opportunity to test for real in the tough conditions that prevail in Skellefteå during parts of the year is also important to demonstrate that the technology works. Access to green hydrogen from Skellefteå Kraft is also a key component, says Robert Lindberg.
"Skellefteå Kraft wants to contribute to the transition to sustainable aviation. We are still at a very early stage when it comes to hydrogen, but believe that renewable hydrogen is an opportunity and part of the solution to the energy and climate challenges," says Joachim Nordin, CEO of Skellefteå Kraft.
For more information:
Robert Lindberg Henrik Littorin
CEO Program Manager ELIS
Skelleftea Airport Skelleftea Airport
+46 70 551 70 75 +46 73 433 19 98
robert.lindberg@sft.se henrik.littorin@hlinsight.se
Links
www.elisprogram.com
www.zeroavia.com
www.flygbra.se
ELISE is a development program aimed at accelerating the development of electrified aviation with aircraft, eVTOL and drones. It involves developing a testbed in Skellefteå, including the possibility of testing vehicles and sub-components in real conditions. It also involves working on the conditions for rapid commercial implementation in Skellefteå and the rest of the Nordic region.
Finally, it is about creating a platform for collaboration between manufacturers, researchers and private and public actors in the ecosystem. ELIS funding comes from Skellefteå Municipality, Skellefteå Airport and Skellefteå Kraft as well as from projects within the framework of the development program. www.elisprogram.com
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