Kempower Gear Powers Norwegian Electric Aircraft Trial

Welcome, Net Zero News readers,

In a significant stride towards sustainable aviation, Kempower’s dedicated sales and service partner, DRiiV Solutions, has successfully installed a state-of-the-art charging infrastructure at Stavanger Airport in Norway. This initiative is aimed at trialling zero and low-emission aviation, heralding a new era in air travel.

Set to commence in autumn 2025, the newly established charging system will support a revolutionary fully-electric aircraft that will operate between Stavanger Airport and Bergen Airport. This ambitious project is not merely a technological feat; it represents a concerted effort to reshape the future of aviation for the better.

The announcement follows a pivotal collaboration between Avinor, the Norwegian airport operator, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway. Together, they have embarked on a mission to position Norway as a premier international test arena for low and zero-emission aviation. This landmark initiative is designed to expedite the transition towards sustainable air travel through various demonstration flights and the necessary infrastructure development.

The regular test route between Stavanger Airport and Bergen Airport marks the inaugural project launched under this pioneering initiative. The flights will be conducted by a fully-electric ALIA aircraft, crafted by the American manufacturer BETA and operated by Bristow Norway. This collaboration underscores the commitment to blending innovative technology with environmental responsibility.

In this groundbreaking project, DRiiV Solutions has spearheaded the installation of a Kempower Control Unit, linked to a Kempower Power Unit, capable of delivering an impressive 300kW of power. This robust infrastructure is tailored specifically to energise the electric aircraft, ensuring that it operates efficiently and sustainably.

What sets this charging set-up apart is DRiiV’s innovative approach to design. The team has ingeniously buried the 5-metre long (16ft) charging cable of the Kempower Control Unit, which is securely housed in a heated box to protect it from Norway’s harsh winter conditions. This forward-thinking design not only guarantees functionality but ensures that the charger remains operational throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions.

The inaugural test flight of this electric aircraft occurred on 8 August, paving the way for trial flights scheduled to begin in early autumn. This marks a significant milestone in the journey toward electrifying the aviation sector.

Kristoffer Hurv, Managing Director of DRiiV Solutions, expressed his enthusiasm regarding this transformative initiative. He stated, “The electrification of road vehicles is seeing tremendous success, and now it’s time for the aviation sector to join the movement. Norway is an attractive market for the early introduction of new technologies and will be an important player in pushing us towards achieving fossil-free aviation by 2050.”

Hurv further highlighted the bespoke nature of their solutions, saying, “This is also a great example of how we stand out by delivering solutions tailored to all types of electric vehicles – whether it’s aircraft, heavy-duty trucks, or passenger cars. We’re also very proud and grateful for our strong partnership with Kempower, which makes projects like this possible.”

Erik Kanerva, Kempower’s Sales Director for Northern Europe, echoed Hurv’s sentiments, expressing pride in supporting this world-leading trial alongside their valued partner, DRiiV Solutions. “We are proud to support this world-leading trial with our valued partner, DRiiV Solutions, which has been working with us for just over a year,” he said.

Kanerva further commended the DRiiV Solutions team for their dedication and expertise, stating, “Throughout this time, the DRiiV Solutions team has steadily deepened its knowledge of our products and solutions, demonstrating a strong commitment to quality and innovation. This airplane project reflects DRiiV Solutions’ vision and expertise, and we are incredibly proud that they have chosen us as their trusted supplier. We are excited to see how the trials develop, as Norway continues to push the development of electric aviation forward.”

This ambitious project not only signifies a leap towards sustainable aviation but also serves as an inspiring example of how collaboration and innovation can drive progress in the face of climate change. As we move closer to the target of net-zero emissions, initiatives like this one pave the way for a more sustainable future. The electric aviation sector is on the brink of a transformation, and with projects like this taking flight, the horizon looks promising.

The world is watching as Norway sets the stage for a new chapter in aviation. With the commitment of key players in the industry and innovative technologies being deployed, the dream of fossil-free aviation by 2050 is becoming increasingly tangible. Stay tuned as we continue to follow the developments in this exciting field!

Photo courtesy of Camilla Walla/Avinor.