As part of this Zero Emission Flight Infrastructure project, The Catapult commissioned our Energy Technology Consulting team to create a roadmap focusing on new types of aircraft, as well as the propulsion technologies and airport infrastructure necessary to support such initiatives.

Client

Connected Places Catapult is the UK’s Innovation accelerator for cities, transport, and place leadership. The Catapult connects businesses and public sector leaders to cutting-edge research to spark innovation and grow new markets. Connected Places Catapult run technology demonstrators and SME accelerators to scale new solutions that drive growth, spread prosperity, and eliminate carbon.

Our Solution

We committed to deliver a detailed report to Connected Places Catapult identifying the key electrical infrastructure upgrades required at UK airports to aid the integration of low emission aircraft. The analysis set out to identify the challenges and opportunities for introducing hydrogen and electric-powered aircraft into general aviation and commercial airports.

Key Outcomes

We worked with industry experts to create consolidated roadmaps with key milestones for implementing low-emission aircraft in airports.

• Our final report included a review and assessment of an airports' current electrical infrastructure. This assessment was conducted to determine the potential additional energy demand that low emission aircraft will impose on the infrastructure when incorporated.
• We reviewed potential local energy generation and battery storage solutions and provided input on the requirements for future electrical safety, fire safety, and training that will be necessary when low emission aircraft are introduced to airports.
• The report also included a review of case study documents provided by CPC, and our recommendations on the electrical infrastructure required to cater to electrical aircraft.