Project Development, Application and Management for Interreg Project "BSR Hydrogen Air Transport"

Challenge

Hamburg Airport and HPC developed the idea for an Interreg (interregional cooperation programme) project to prepare airports for operation with hydrogen-powered aircraft. The project aligned with the priorities of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region programme, and with the involvement of project partners, a project application was successfully prepared and submitted. 

The overall project aims to transition Baltic Sea region airports to support hydrogen-powered aviation, advancing decarbonization efforts. It addresses challenges in developing hydrogen infrastructure, ensuring safety compliance, and integrating solutions into airport operations. Collaborative demonstration flights highlight the viability of hydrogen aviation, requiring coordination among airports, airlines, and technology providers.

Tasks Performed

• Developed the Interreg project
• Involved future project partners
• First stage of the project application: Project Idea Form
• Full proposal as second stage of the project application
• Project coordination: Planning, implementation, and control of work packages, timelines, and budgets
• Event organization: Conducting and documenting project events, as well as communication with partners and the program secretariat
• External coordination: Support with tenders, awarding contracts, and implementing changes in the project
• Monitoring: Ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and preparing progress and financial reports

Benefit

HPC successfully combined its expertise from aviation projects, development of hydrogen logistics chains, co-funding management, and experience of multi-year coordination of Interreg projects to benefit the intended project success. Customers had the chance to join a group of full and associated partners with similar requirements to lead the transformation toward sustainable aviation, positioning the airport as a key enabler of the future hydrogen-powered aviation ecosystem. HPC supported the climate goals of the project partners and can thus make a tangible contribution to the decarbonization of aviation and the revitalization of regional air transportation.