The UK government has announced £7.3 million in funding for zero-emission flight projects designed to facilitate the introduction of hydrogen-powered and electric aircraft.
The Department for Transport is backing eight aviation projects around the UK, with the money being used to develop and test the infrastructure needed to allow zero-emission flights to operate, such as electric charging for aircraft and hydrogen storage.
Among the projects receiving funding as part of the zero-emission flight demonstrator competition are a feasibility study into how Bristol Airport could provide liquid hydrogen infrastructure for aircraft, and initiatives focused on high-power charging for electric aircraft and mobile hydrogen refuelling vehicles.
Another feasibility scheme is examining how hydrogen-powered aircraft could be used on regional routes around Scotland’s remote highlands and islands.
Heidi Alexander, the UK’s transport secretary, said: “By powering up electric and hydrogen-powered planes, we’re bringing passengers closer to the flights of the future – while creating skilled jobs, backing UK businesses and spreading economic growth to all four corners of the country.”
The latest funding announcement is part of a wider £43 million funding package from the UK government designed to support the development of the next generation of aircraft.
The government is also investing £219 million to fund new lower carbon and alternative aviation fuels as it continues to target achieving net-zero for aviation by 2050 under its Jet Zero Strategy.