Getting Ready for Electric Planes – Colorado Study to Help Find Alternative Energy for Powering Future Aircraft

CO – Last month, the Colorado Division of Aeronautics joined forces with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The team plans to carry out an investigation to determine the potential benefits and risks of introducing airplanes powered by alternative sources of energy in the Rocky Mountain State. 

This is the first time that the U.S. government has teamed up with Colorado aviation officials to manage the development of aircraft and aviation fuels for the future. 

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is receiving $400,000 from the Colorado Aviation Fund, courtesy of the Colorado Aeronautical Board, to conduct a study. 

The purpose of this study is to: 

• Discover new aircraft powered by alternative sources that could utilize all 76 public Colorado airports. 
• Find Colorado airports suitable for deploying new battery-electric GA aircraft, which would reduce the cost of flight training while minimizing noise and other environmental impacts. 
• Assess the utility infrastructure needs of Colorado airports to support and facilitate the use of new aircraft and aviation fuel technology. 
• Examine governmental policy, regulations, financial implications, and incentives to promote the adoption of new aviation technology. 

National Renewable Energy Labrador (NREL) Strategic Partnerships Manager Brett Oakleaf discussed Colorado’s Division of Aeronautics’ pioneering statewide assessment of advanced aircraft, aviation fuels, and their associated infrastructure requirements. He noted that this initiative is essential for readying and minimizing the risks of aviation transition for Colorado and its airports. 

David Ulane, Director of the Colorado Aeronautics Division, expressed his pride in the Division’s pioneering role in utilizing new technology to benefit Coloradans. He also noted that their collaboration with NREL will enable them to remain innovative and prepare their public airports for the next generation of flight, alternative powered aircraft. 

The research will take approximately 18 months to finish, and the outcomes will be made public in the fall of 2024. Maybe we’ll visit Red Rocks Amphitheater soon on a renewable energy plane, like Skydweller Aero’s Solar Impulse 2.  

Rather than relying on either gas or the sun for power, Startup Elevation introduced a new battery-powered airplane last year. Named Alice, it can hold nine passengers while flying 3,500 feet for roughly 250 miles at a time. Alice is particularly quiet too. She can also have over 2500 pounds, making her ideal for short-distance commercial air travel.