GREEN AVIATION, Hovednyhet
Northern Norway invited to participate in a key international collaboration on green aviation at one of the world’s largest aviation arenas.
During the major international aviation fair ILA Berlin from June 5 to 9 in the German capital, key players from the North Norwegian project “Zero Emission Regional Aviation Northern Norway” were highlighted as European leaders in the crucial work of green transition in the air. The project was specially invited by the German organizers to showcase how the region’s leading energy and aviation environments have rapidly developed solutions that all of Europe is now demanding.
ILA Berlin serves as a global leading meeting place for aviation this year. Northern Norway was showcased at one of the largest pavilions sponsored by the German aviation industry. The Zero Emission Regional Aviation project from Northern Norway, represented in Berlin by cluster leader Petter Bjørkli from Energi i Nord, participated alongside Norwegian e-fuel and ST1, as well as international stakeholders in a panel discussion led by the German aircraft manufacturer Deutsche Aircraft under the title: “Northern Norway as a pioneering region based on PtL.”
“Northern Norway is positioned to become a leading region in Europe for climate-neutral aviation,” says Petter Bjørkli, cluster leader at Energi i Nord. “Our invitation by the German and international aviation industry to discuss the future of climate-neutral aviation is based on the clear stance we have already taken, which we can further build upon,” Bjørkli adds.
During the opening of the ILA Berlin air fair today, Bjørkli participated along with several other figures in a panel discussion organized by the German aircraft manufacturer Deutsche Aircraft and the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI). Joining Bjørkli were CEO Andreas Hauptmeier from Norwegian e-fuel, Stephane Albert from engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, Simen Hauland from ST1 Norway, and fuel expert Patrick Leclercq from the German research institute DLR in the panel led by Regina Pouzolz, Director of Sustainability at Deutsche Aircraft.
From left to right: Regina Pouzolz – Director of Sustainability, Deutsche Aircraft | Patrick Le Clercq – DLR | Simen Hauland – ST1 | Petter Bjørkli – Cluster Leader, Energi i Nord | Karl Hauptmeier – Norwegian e-fuel | Stephane Albert – Pratt & Whitney and ICAO
“There are many solutions that together will contribute to making aviation climate-neutral, and already today, synthetic fuels known as e-fuels or Power to Liquid (PtL) are expected to play a significant role, with Northern Norway at the heart of this transition,” comments Elnar Holmen, CEO of BLU. BLU is a key collaboration partner along with Energi i Nord and Lofoten The Green Islands in the climate-neutral regional aviation project. “Synthetic fuel produced from renewable power can be used by all of today’s aircraft without technical modifications and can thus begin to play a role very soon. Norwegian e-fuel’s facility in Mosjøen is highlighted by international analysts as one of the most technically and commercially mature, and the short-haul network in Northern Norway is the solution for further testing and development,” continues Holmen.
“Together with BLU and Energi i Nord, we have collaborated for a long time with Deutsche Aircraft. Their goal is to push the boundaries of the development of climate-neutral regional aircraft that can land and take off at our short-haul airports in the north. Therefore, they are an important partner as we aim to make Lofoten a low-emission community by 2040,” says Laura Johanne Olsen, program manager for Lofoten The Green Islands. Deutsche Aircraft has recently demonstrated that they can fly exclusively on fuel that minimizes CO2 emissions and other climate impacts, such as contrails, which we find very exciting,” adds Olsen.
The commitment to climate-neutral aviation in Nordland is essential both for the environment and for strengthening the regional short-haul network in Northern Norway. With international recognition and a focus on the short-haul network as the primary testing area for green aviation technologies, we ensure vital use of the region’s airports. This is fundamental to maintaining accessibility and mobility for the population in the vast parts of the region. Here we see opportunities for the development of new infrastructure and business that will potentially secure new jobs and drive economic growth in the region.
Check out the press release in the regional newspaper: https://www.an.no/fikk-spesiell-invitasjon-vi-har-allerede-tatt-en-tydelig-posisjon/s/5-4-1973051
