Project Summary
This project will further develop an existing software platform capable of assessing power infrastructure requirements with respect to different future demand scenarios, minimising the risk for future capital infrastructure investment decisions for airport operators.To enable the platform to be capable of this, a set of transition pathways will be concurrently developed representing the phased transition period to net-zero flight.
Project Achievements
Activities This project has established an interactive toolkit, supported by an open engineering methodology, to help inform enabling stakeholders about the different infrastructure choices required to support their future operation over the short, medium and long term. Additionally, the project interviewed several key stakeholders to understand the operational requirements and obligations they would expect future net-zero vessels to meet.
Conclusions
Different stakeholders have engaged in initial studies to investigate the technology parameters required to meet their operational needs. The developed toolkit provides much-needed evidence to support ‘ahead-of-need’ electrical distribution network upgrades for this sector. A range of different investment timescales exist that vary with demand estimates, spatial features, and the utilisation of existing infrastructure.
Next Steps
1. Research dissemination through conference and impact sessions 2. Continue tool development to cover a wider region of the UK 3. Feasibility study to support qualification of outputs 4. Deployment trials to inform characterisation and commercials 5. Collaboration on next stage research activities
