A new study led by the University of Nottingham and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) lays out a strategic roadmap for decarbonising East Midlands Airport (EMA) and its surrounding transport ecosystem. The work is positioned within the UK’s broader target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The research combines technical modelling with stakeholder analysis to explore the role of hydrogen and electrification in cutting emissions across aviation, freight, and ground transport linked to the airport. EMA is a critical logistics hub, handling over 370,000 tonnes of cargo and more than four million passengers annually. It generates around £300 million for the regional economy and supports over 6,000 jobs.
The study highlights the need for integrated planning across transport modes and energy systems, recommending coordinated action between logistics providers, local authorities, and energy suppliers. Stakeholder interviews and scenario modelling were used to map the system’s complexity and assess potential adoption paths for green technologies.
Key outputs include 17 recommendations covering infrastructure development, hydrogen production and storage, links to existing hydrogen clusters, and opportunities to attract sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production to the region. The report also points to the potential for EMA to serve as a replicable model for airport decarbonisation globally.
