ScottishPower and ZeroAvia explore aviation’s hydrogen infrastructure needs

Plans to operate zero emission commercial flights in the UK have received a boost with the announcement that energy firm ScottishPower has teamed up with hydrogen aircraft pioneer ZeroAvia to explore the potential development of green hydrogen supply services and infrastructure at a number of UK airports.

Hydrogen-electric engines use hydrogen in fuel cells to generate electricity, which is then used to power electric motors to turn the aircraft’s propellers. ZeroAvia is already well advanced in flight testing a prototype of its first engines for 20 seat planes from its R&D hub in Gloucestershire, while working on the engine systems for larger 40-80 seat aircraft.

ZeroAvia is aiming to commercialise its first zero carbon hydrogen fuel cell aircraft engines by 2027, and has a long standing partnership with AGS Airports, which operates airports in Glasgow and Aberdeen.

The partnership will see it work with ScottishPower to develop green hydrogen solutions to test and power ZeroAvia's zero carbon aircraft engines using electrolysers powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity generated by UK wind farms, the firms said.

Sergey Kiselev, chief business officer at ZeroAvia, said Scotland in particular held huge potential to become a leading player in the emerging green hydrogen industry due to its "plethora of existing renewables".

"Working with leading energy companies like ScottishPower can help us overcome fuelling infrastructure challenges," he added.

The firms said the partnership could help contribute to the UK government's 10GW hydrogen production goal for 2030, of which at least half is expected to be provided by 'green' hydrogen made from renewable electricity.

"Green hydrogen, powered by renewable energy, can play a key role in the decarbonisation of heavy transport," said Peter Jones, director of ScottishPower's green hydrogen business, adding "We welcome the opportunity to support the aviation industry in delivering effective solutions for this important sector, enabling long-term sustainable and cost-effective outcomes for customers."