BSR HyAirport: Advancing Hydrogen-Powered Aviation in the Baltic Sea Region

Efficient and reliable air transport is crucial for the mobility of people and businesses in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR). Given the region’s geo-economic structure and the environmental sensitivity of many short-haul flights, hydrogen-powered aviation presents a transformative opportunity to reduce the carbon footprint of air travel. The BSR Hydrogen Air Transport – Preparation of Baltic Sea Region Airports for Green Hydrogen project, known as BSR HyAirport, is a transnational initiative under the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme. It aims to facilitate the early adoption of hydrogen-powered aircraft by preparing airports for the storage, handling, and delivery of gaseous green hydrogen (GH2) as a sustainable energy source in aviation.

Project Objectives and Approach

The BSR HyAirport project focuses on developing the necessary infrastructure to integrate hydrogen technology into aviation while ensuring compliance with legal and safety regulations. Key challenges addressed include:

• Evaluating options and designing concepts for the regional supply of green hydrogen to airports based on local demand.
• Establishing safe and efficient GH2 storage, handling, and refueling procedures.
• Developing, testing, and piloting equipment and operational solutions to support the transition to hydrogen-powered aircraft.

By fostering collaboration among airports, airlines, technology providers, public authorities, and research institutions, the project establishes a unique platform for the joint development, implementation, and testing of practical hydrogen solutions serving the common challenges and specific needs of hydrogen-powered aviation in the BSR region.

Transnational Cooperation and Structure

Spanning seven countries—Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, and Sweden—the project brings together 16 core partners and 24 associated organizations from across the aviation value chain, including airports, industry stakeholders, suppliers, NGOs, and academic institutions.

Running from November 2023 to October 2026, the project is structured into three key work packages:

• WP 1 – Preparing Solutions: Laying the groundwork for hydrogen application, infrastructure and methodologies.
• WP 2 – Piloting and Evaluating Solutions: Testing and refining hydrogen applications in real-world airport environments.
• WP 3 – Transferring Solutions: Ensuring knowledge transfer and wider adoption across the Baltic Sea Region.

Impact and Future Outlook

The BSR HyAirport project is a vital step toward sustainable aviation, aligning with broader environmental goals and the industry's transition to cleaner technologies. By creating a framework for hydrogen-powered air transport, the project enhances regional connectivity, fosters innovation, and sets the stage for a greener future in aviation.