The Department of Transport (DfT) has announced the launch of a £3 million competition aimed at financing research and development for electric and hydrogen aircrafts. Those selected will be awarded £50,000 each. Applicants can include businesses and universities that carry out relevant projects. 

They are looking for projects that fit within the following priority areas:

  • Hydrogen storage, handling, aircraft refuelling/defueling, distribution, and associated technologies
  • Electric charging, storage, handling, batteries, electric distribution, and associated technologies for electric-powered aircraft
  • Research into future demand scenarios for airside use of green hydrogen and electricity at UK airports

The Zero Emission Flight Infrastructure competition funding could support schemes featuring electric charge points and hydrogen fuelling tanks. It also supports Minister Boris Johnson’s 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution. 

Funding opportunities like these help improve SME and large business capabilities to conduct research and development.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “As the first major economy to commit to net zero by 2050, we’ve gone further than any country in the world to slash our aviation emissions – providing leadership, funding and the framework needed to lead the charge.

“Now is the time for organisations and companies to take advantage of the opportunities we have provided to harness the economic and environmental benefits building back better and greener has to offer.”

These goals are being taken seriously, with news of Bristol Airport’s plans to be the first net zero Airport by 2030. Achieving this goal will be dependent on innovative technologies. 

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