Funding has been secured from the Scottish government to test the feasibility of a hydrogen production, storage and distribution hub that would support zero emission flights at Glasgow airport.
The deal was confirmed by first minister Humza Yousaf as part of a £7 million scheme which aims to support the development of renewable hydrogen technologies.
The project will determine the most efficient, bankable, green hydrogen production, storage and refuelling solutions and assess the operational feasibility of a hydrogen hub at the airport.
It is expected to be completed by early 2024, with the long-term goal of applying the concept to other regional airports.
The aim is to create a UK network of hydrogen-ready airports, including Aberdeen and Southampton which together with Glasgow form AGS Airports.
AGS Airports head of capital investment Jon Matthews said: “Hydrogen powered aircraft have the potential to completely revolutionise aviation, particularly on regional and short-haul routes.
“Airline manufacturers are making tangible progress on zero emission flight and as an airport operator, it is important we start to plan for the delivery, storage and generation of hydrogen.
“This funding will allow us to bring together a diverse group of companies to address the unique challenges of storing hydrogen safely and at scale in an airport environment.”
Helena Anderson, co-founder of net-zero consulting co-developer Ikigai, added: “Hydrogen has a critical role to pay in the decarbonisation of, in particular, regional aviation.
“Glasgow’s ‘back to base’ island routes make it the ideal location for hydrogen aviation to take-off.
“This hub will ensure that Glasgow airport has a safe, secure and cost-efficient green fuel supply, as the industry transitions to net zero.
“Glasgow is the first airport in, what we believe will be, a world-leading hydrogen aviation network attracting regional investment, jobs, skills and growth.”