Students show how Skellefteå could become first in Europe with hydrogen drones
When students get to work on real business challenges, the results can be ground-breaking. This summer, two engineering students have developed a plan that could make Skellefteå Droneport one of the first in Europe with hydrogen-powered drones – while demonstrating the value of collaboration between academia and industry.
The project was led by Oskar Albinsson and Frans Ingberg, who study on the Master of Science in Engineering programmes in Vehicle Engineering and Mechanical Engineering respectively at KTH. Over the summer they took on the challenge of mapping out how hydrogen could be introduced at Skellefteå Droneport. The result was a concrete action plan that Arctic Aviation Hub can already put to use – and a reward in the form of Sammes Stiftelse’s additional scholarship of SEK 100,000.
“We are facing a revolution in the air. New drone technologies open the door to everything from emergency deliveries of defibrillators to industrial flows over long distances. With hydrogen, the range can be three times longer than with batteries.”
From summer job to future solution
Oskar and Frans were tasked with mapping out how hydrogen could be introduced at Skellefteå Droneport. Over the summer they analysed safety, regulations, technology and economics. The result is a concrete action plan that can be put into practice straight away.
“We have created a plan to position Skellefteå as a hub for safe and efficient drone refuelling in Sweden – from regulations and training to supply chain and finished design,” say Oskar Albinsson and Frans Ingberg.
They also stress the value of working on a real project for an external organisation.
“It has been extremely valuable to apply our theoretical knowledge in a real-world context. At the same time, we have developed new knowledge and skills about how the world around the technology works. In the project we have been the link between these areas, which isn’t really part of our degree. For example, we have truly realised how important collaboration is for solving complex problems,” say the scholarship holders.
Skellefteå at the forefront of electrification
Their insights reflect Skellefteå’s ongoing journey in electrification and reinforce the city’s image as a pioneer. As the development of hydrogen-powered drones gathers pace globally, the region is also well placed to stay one step ahead.
“We are facing a revolution in the air. New drone technologies open the door to everything from emergency deliveries of defibrillators and industrial flows over long distances to forest inspections, or something as simple as delivering a pizza. With hydrogen, the range can be three times longer than with batteries,” say the scholarship holders.
When academia meets industry
For Arctic Aviation Hub, the report provides an invaluable basis for taking the next step.
“The scholarship holders have carried out in-depth, analytical work equivalent to a substantial consultancy assignment. But they have also gone further and delivered something that can actually be put into practice straight away. This means Skellefteå Droneport could become one of the first in Europe to offer hydrogen for testing and development purposes,” says Henrik Littorin, Programme Manager at Arctic Aviation Hub.
This is also an example of how students can contribute to business development through real cases – something that strengthens both companies and Skellefteå’s appeal as a city of the future.
Facts: Sammes Stiftelse
Every summer, the foundation awards scholarships to students from universities and university colleges.
Each scholarship holder receives SEK 40,000 to work on their own business ideas or on development projects at local companies.
Students must live in Skellefteå over the summer. Many come from Campus Skellefteå, but returnees studying at other universities also take part.
Since 2023, an additional scholarship of SEK 100,000 has been awarded to the project judged to be of greatest significance to the business community.
The foundation was established by entrepreneur Samme Lindmark (1930–2020), one of Skellefteå’s most influential business figures, who founded Karolin Invest and later Treac. The donation he and his wife Maud made in 2007 laid the foundation for today’s foundation.
