Green4iFED

Towards Green Airports as Energy Hubs: Interregional Perspectives on Infrastructure Investment Optimization for Flight Electrification and Decarbonization

The purpose of the Green4iFED project is to address the challenges toward the future airport system.

Aviation emissions are a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for about 2-3% of total global CO₂ emissions. Without intervention, these emissions are expected to rise sharply as global demand for air travel grows. The ability to electrify flights could dramatically reduce the aviation sector’s carbon footprint and align it with global climate goals, such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement.

The project focuses on interregional aviation networks incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, battery storage, and hydrogen technologies to establish resilient and sustainable travel networks. The regional variation, including energy availability, geographical characteristics, and air traffic patterns, influence the optimal allocation of infrastructure resources for flight electrification. Case studies at locations such as Västerås Airport aim to provide actionable insights into these dynamics.

The outcome of this project leads to a deeper understanding of electrification challenges, providing the actors with decision-support tools to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of the infrastructure investment planning while ensuring cost efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.