Avinor strengthens knowledge base for hydrogen at Norwegian airports

The study will help build knowledge on how hydrogen can be stored, refuelled, and distributed at airports, and will form the basis for future testing and the establishment 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.

Mapping what it takes to implement hydrogen at airports

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

The study will be carried out in three phases:

• Phase 1: Feasibility study starting in September 2025, lasting six months
• Phase 2: Concept development (option)
• Phase 3: Project planning and implementation (option)

Laying the groundwork for testing from 2027

The work will provide a foundation for establishing and testing hydrogen infrastructure at airports. Testing and demonstrations are mainly planned from 2027, with preparatory activities beginning in autumn 2025.

The study welcomes input from the market regarding both ground vehicles and aircraft that can test the infrastructure. Dialogue so far indicates that it will likely be most relevant to start with vehicles and/or refuelling systems for aircraft before moving on to testing aircraft themselves.

Avinor also aims to assess market interest and has therefore published an RFI (Request for Information). The purpose of this market request is to identify potential partners and innovators who wish to use or contribute to the development of test infrastructure for hydrogen at airports.

RFI: https://ted.europa.eu/en/notice/-/detail/649489-2025
Deadline: 1 December 2025