Avinor launches hydrogen infrastructure study to prepare Norwegian airports for future sustainable aviation

Credit: Illustration image Øystein Løwer/AVINOR

Avinor has entered into an agreement with Norconsult to carry out a feasibility study on hydrogen infrastructure at airports, while also inviting industry participants through a Request for Information (RFI) to share ideas and solutions for testing hydrogen systems.

The study aims to build knowledge on how hydrogen can be stored, refuelled and distributed at airports, forming the foundation for future testing and the development of solutions for both ground vehicles and, eventually, aircraft. “Although it will still be some years before we see hydrogen-powered aircraft in commercial service, we need time to gain experience with the infrastructure required at airports. That’s why it’s important to start this work now,” says Birgitte Johannessen, Hydrogen Programme Manager at Avinor.

The purpose of the study is to identify what is required to establish a hydrogen storage and refuelling station at an airport. It will cover technical specifications, regulatory requirements, infrastructure needs, cost estimates, logistics and supply chains, as well as operational procedures and safety and risk analyses.

The work will be divided into three phases: a six-month feasibility study beginning in September 2025, followed by optional phases for concept development and project planning. These efforts will lay the groundwork for testing and demonstrations, planned from 2027, with preparatory activities starting in autumn 2025.

Avinor welcomes input from the market on potential testing for both ground vehicles and aircraft. Current discussions suggest that early testing is most likely to involve vehicles or aircraft refuelling systems before progressing to hydrogen-powered aircraft.

To assess market interest, Avinor has issued an RFI to identify potential partners and innovators interested in using or contributing to the development of test infrastructure for hydrogen at airports.

RFI: https://ted.europa.eu/en/notice/-/detail/649489-2025

Deadline: 1 December 2025.

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