Together with Skellefteå Kraft, ZeroAvia, and the airline BRA, Skellefteå Airport is making a joint effort towards hydrogen-powered flight in Sweden. This investment is part of the ELIS development program, which aims to accelerate the electrification of aviation.
The investment is based on ZeroAvia's technology, which involves developing a hydrogen-powered drivetrain that can be integrated into existing aircraft models. The investment is divided into three parts. The first step is a joint feasibility study that will examine the commercial potential for regional hydrogen-powered air traffic, with Skellefteå as the starting point. The study will also map out the conditions and structure for the second step, which involves setting up a demonstration program in Skellefteå. This program will demonstrate the entire value chain, from the production and distribution of green hydrogen to handling and refueling in the airport environment, as well as actual flights on selected test routes to and from Skellefteå. The third step involves commercial implementation and will build on the knowledge gained from the previous work.
– Hydrogen-powered flight is an extremely interesting solution for increasing regional accessibility in a sustainable way. Skellefteå and the entire northern Sweden region depend 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 flight, where the electric motor gets its energy from a fuel cell, is a form of electric aviation. ZeroAvia is at the forefront of this technology internationally and has conducted several successful test flights in the UK.
– We have assembled a highly competent consortium. The opportunity to test 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.
The initiative is part of the ELIS development program, which aims to accelerate the development of electrified aviation. Skellefteå Kraft sees the value in this.
– Skellefteå Kraft wants to contribute to the transition to sustainable aviation. We are still in a very early stage when it comes to hydrogen, but we believe that renewable hydrogen is an opportunity and part of the solution to energy and climate challenges, says Joachim Nordin, CEO of Skellefteå Kraft.
Building a large urban droneport in a subarctic climate is an innovative project with no direct templates or guidelines. After extensive planning, the site is now paved and the buildings are in place, but some work remains before one of Europe’s largest urban drone airports can be inaugurated.
The take-off and landing area and surrounding areas have now been paved with materials that significantly reduce climate impact. By using Asfalt Zero – a climate-smart asphalt made with pine oil – Skellefteå is setting an example for environmentally friendly infrastructure.
It started with an idea on a post-it note two years ago, and by the end of this year, the idea will become a reality. Skellefteå Droneport is one of the first droneports in Europe being built in an urban environment. The Droneport will be a physical space for development, research, education, and commercialization of drone-related solutions.