Legal Framework Workshop- Partnership Meeting in Riga

The Future of Hydrogen in Aviation: Discussing Practical and Legal Frameworks

This week, a seminar and discussion are taking place in Riga to address the readiness of regional airports for green hydrogen adoption, as well as the practical and legal aspects of implementing hydrogen technologies in aviation.

Participants from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Germany, Sweden, Poland, and Finland are analysing the legal and practical conditions necessary for the safe and efficient deployment of hydrogen technologies at airports in the Baltic Sea region.

Law firm “Evershed Sutherland Bitans” engaged in the project is currently conducting an in-depth analysis of international, European Union, and national regulations in the participating countries. The firm presented its initial findings at the seminar. A preliminary assessment of international and EU strategies, policy planning, and legislation indicates that while certain standards and regulations govern hydrogen production, use, and transportation in airports and aviation, a clear regulatory framework and specific requirements for infrastructure related to hydrogen production and storage at airports are not yet established. While some legal provisions mention hydrogen indirectly, regulations specific to green (renewable) hydrogen (GH2) remain limited.

During the seminar, key stakeholders – including policymakers from the Latvia’s Ministry of Climate and Energy, Ministry of Economics, and Ministry of Transport, as well as aviation industry representatives, the Latvian Hydrogen Association, and other interested parties – agreed that the findings of this research should co

ntribute to proposals for developing regulatory frameworks that facilitate the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier.

“We appreciate the commitment of policymakers and industry representatives to advancing regulations that will enhance the role of hydrogen in the future. We hope that the project will identify practical ways to promote hydrogen adoption at airports, establish the necessary regulatory frameworks, and gain the support of policymakers. We are proud to be part of this important initiative and advocate for the use of renewable hydrogen in airports across various applications,” emphasized Māris Vainovskis, Senior Partner at “Evershed Sutherland Bitans”, during the seminar.

Besides the Legal Framework Workshop and Seminar, the partnership of BSRHyAirport conducted its quarterly Partnership Meeting. All relevant updates, questions and outcomes where discussed and prepared for the next working steps to come. The Latvian partners as well started preparing for their first vehicle demonstrations and presented the equipment at the meetings location to give all participants an overview of existing and available solutions.

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