Hydrogen roadmap to chart path to zero-emission regional flight

Urban Foresight has secured funding through the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Flight Demonstrator programme, delivered by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), to lead the roadmap as part of the Sustainable Aviation Test Environment (SATE) partnership.

The Highlands and Islands rely heavily on aviation for access to healthcare, education, employment and essential goods, but the sector faces rising costs, ageing fleets and pressure to cut emissions.

Hydrogen-powered aircraft have the potential to provide the range and payload required for many inter-island and regional routes, while the region’s renewable energy resources and growing green hydrogen capacity make it well placed to lead the transition.

Creating a practical roadmap for hydrogen aviation

Urban Foresight is leading a consortium of aviation, infrastructure and transport planning specialists to assess commercial viability, identify priority routes for early deployment, and determine the infrastructure needed to support future operations. This will include airport hydrogen demand, refuelling requirements, regulation, and wider environmental and socioeconomic impacts.

The roadmap will set out a prioritised shortlist of viable routes, recommendations for demonstration services, airport refuelling plans, and an assessment of commercial, environmental and socioeconomic benefits.

Principal Consultant Ben Hawley said, “Hydrogen aviation has the potential to transform regional air travel by delivering the range, resilience and emissions reductions needed for rural communities. Through the SATE Hydrogen Roadmap, we’re creating the evidence base needed to support future investment and help turn this emerging technology into a practical reality.”

Building on regional expertise

The project builds on Urban Foresight’s track record in the Highlands and Islands, including its regional sustainable aviation strategy, low-carbon access work at Kirkwall Airport, and research into sustainable transport solutions for remote and island communities.

Urban Foresight is delivering the project alongside partners HITRANS, EA Maven and Cormorant SEAplanes, with advisory support from Hybrid Air Vehicles.