LOCESA aims to model the additional energy demands that may emerge from the use of hydrogen and electricity for airside operations through a programme of novel empirical research, developing and evaluating a number of socio-technical scenarios with particular consideration of key transition points and spatial differences in the nature, scope and pace of decarbonisation of airports in alternative possible scenarios, from now until 2050.
  • Dates2021-2022
  • SponsorDfT and Connect Places Catapult
  • Funded£50K

The use of green hydrogen and electricity at airside operations can help with reducing the emissions from air transport. While the pace and scalability of technology development (including electric and hybrid-electric propulsion aircrafts and ground support equipment) will be a key factor, there are other financial, regulatory, legal, organisational, behavioural and societal issues that need to be accounted. Moreover, the connectedness of airports requires the availability of infrastructure in reciprocal locations, pointing to the importance of coordination of activities and development of international standards. Yet, how these factors might interact with each other and what new additional energy demands may emerge from the use of hydrogen and electricity for airside operations is unknown.

LOCESA aims to address this gap through a programme of novel empirical research, developing and evaluating a number of socio-technical scenarios with particular consideration of key transition points – rather than mere end points – and spatial differences in the nature, scope and pace of decarbonisation of airports in alternative possible scenarios, from now until 2050.