Fortum's Vision for Sustainable Aviation: Transforming Airports with Localized Low-Carbon Energy Systems
Key Ideas
  • Fortum aims to transform aviation by integrating renewable energy solutions directly into airport operations, envisioning airports as hubs generating low-carbon energy for aircraft, ground operations, and communities.
  • The company's step-by-step approach involves starting with small initiatives like solar parks and battery storage, gradually expanding to complex energy infrastructure including hydrogen electrolyzers and storage systems.
  • Hydrogen plays a key role in sustainably powering aircraft, especially for long-haul flights, with clean electrofuels being a promising solution to reduce CO2 emissions in aviation.
  • Fortum is actively exploring hydrogen production and refueling infrastructure at airports, with plans for a hydrogen production pilot plant in Finland to further investigate the potential of hydrogen in aviation and industrial uses.
Fortum, a company prioritizing the decarbonization of industries, is focusing on innovating in various fields, including aviation. They are working towards a future where localized low-carbon energy systems power aircraft, support ground operations, and provide energy for nearby communities. The company is exploring concepts to integrate renewable energy solutions directly into airport operations, transforming airports into hubs that generate and store low-carbon energy. Fortum's approach involves starting with small initiatives like solar parks and battery storage, eventually expanding to incorporate hydrogen electrolyzers and storage systems as demand for fossil-free energy grows. In the quest to decarbonize aviation, Fortum highlights the importance of transforming the entire ecosystem rather than solely focusing on sustainable fuel for aircraft. They envision airports adapting their infrastructure to accommodate new sustainable aviation technologies like electric and hydrogen-powered planes. Short-haul routes can be served by electric planes, while hydrogen-powered aircraft could extend the range for longer flights. Clean electrofuels, produced by combining renewable electricity with hydrogen, are seen as a promising solution to reduce CO2 emissions in aviation. Fortum is actively exploring hydrogen production and refueling infrastructure at airports in partnership with ZeroAvia. The company is building a hydrogen production pilot plant in Finland to further explore the potential of hydrogen for aviation and industrial uses. By engaging with Nordic airports, Fortum aims to create a model for sustainable aviation that can be applied globally. Their localized approach to airport energy production not only enhances energy resilience but also ensures a steady energy supply even during grid disruptions, benefiting critical facilities and adjacent communities. The company's vision for carbon neutrality in the aviation industry relies on collaborative efforts from a diverse ecosystem of specialists across different fields.
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