Students show how Skellefteå can become the first in Europe with hydrogen drones
Sep 10, 2025
When students get to work on real business challenges, the results can be groundbreaking. This summer, two engineering students have developed a plan that could make Skellefteå Droneport one of the first in Europe with hydrogen-powered drones. And at the same time demonstrated the value of collaborations between academia and industry.
"We are facing a revolution in the air. New drone technologies are opening the door to everything from urgent deliveries of defibrillators to industrial flows over long distances. With hydrogen, the range can be three times longer than with batteries."
Behind the project are Oskar Albinsson and Frans Ingberg, who study the Master's program in aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering at KTH, respectively. During the summer, they took on the challenge of mapping how hydrogen can be introduced at Skellefteå Droneport. The result was a concrete action plan that can already be used by Arctic Aviation Hub. And a reward in the form of Sammes Foundation's extra scholarship of 100,000 kronor.
Students show how Skellefteå can become the first in Europe with hydrogen drones
When students get to work on real business challenges, the results can be groundbreaking. This summer, two engineering students have developed a plan that could make Skellefteå Droneport one of the first in Europe with hydrogen-powered drones. And at the same time demonstrated the value of collaborations between academia and industry.
Behind the project are Oskar Albinsson and Frans Ingberg, who study the Master's program in aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering at KTH, respectively. During the summer, they took on the challenge of mapping how hydrogen can be introduced at Skellefteå Droneport. The result was a concrete action plan that can already be used by Arctic Aviation Hub. And a reward in the form of Sammes Foundation's extra scholarship of 100,000 kronor.
"We are facing a revolution in the air. New drone technologies are opening the door to everything from urgent deliveries of defibrillators to industrial flows over long distances. With hydrogen, the range can be three times longer than with batteries."
"We are facing a revolution in the air. New drone technologies are opening the door to everything from urgent deliveries of defibrillators to industrial flows over long distances. With hydrogen, the range can be three times longer than with batteries."
From Summer Jobs to Future Solutions
Oskar and Frans were tasked with mapping how hydrogen can be introduced at Skellefteå Droneport. Throughout the summer, they have analyzed safety, regulations, technology, and economics. The result is a concrete action plan that can be immediately implemented in operations.
– We have created a plan to position Skellefteå as the hub for safe and efficient drone refueling in Sweden. From regulations and training to supply chains and final design, explains Oskar Albinsson and Frans Ingberg.
Skellefteå at the Forefront of Electrification
Their work also reinforces the image of Skellefteå as a pioneer in the green transition. As the development of hydrogen-powered drones accelerates globally, the region can now be one step ahead.
– We are on the brink of a revolution in the air. New drone technologies open the door for everything from urgent deliveries of defibrillators and industrial flows over long distances to forest inspections or as simple as delivering a pizza. With hydrogen, the range can be three times longer than with batteries, say the scholars.
From Summer Jobs to Future Solutions
Oskar and Frans were tasked with mapping how hydrogen can be introduced at Skellefteå Droneport. Throughout the summer, they have analyzed safety, regulations, technology, and economics. The result is a concrete action plan that can be immediately implemented in operations.
– We have created a plan to position Skellefteå as the hub for safe and efficient drone refueling in Sweden. From regulations and training to supply chains and final design, explains Oskar Albinsson and Frans Ingberg.
Skellefteå at the Forefront of Electrification
Their work also reinforces the image of Skellefteå as a pioneer in the green transition. As the development of hydrogen-powered drones accelerates globally, the region can now be one step ahead.
– We are on the brink of a revolution in the air. New drone technologies open the door for everything from urgent deliveries of defibrillators and industrial flows over long distances to forest inspections or as simple as delivering a pizza. With hydrogen, the range can be three times longer than with batteries, say the scholars.
When academia meets industry
For Arctic Aviation Hub, the report represents an invaluable basis for taking the next step.
– The fellows have conducted an in-depth and analytical work that corresponds to a comprehensive consulting assignment. But they have also taken additional steps and delivered something that can actually be implemented directly in practice. This means that Skellefteå Droneport can become one of the first in Europe to offer hydrogen for testing and development purposes, says Henrik Littorin, program manager at Arctic Aviation Hub.
This is also an example of how students can contribute to the development of the industry through real cases. Something that enhances both the companies and Skellefteå's attractiveness as a future city.
When academia meets industry
For Arctic Aviation Hub, the report represents an invaluable basis for taking the next step.
– The fellows have conducted an in-depth and analytical work that corresponds to a comprehensive consulting assignment. But they have also taken additional steps and delivered something that can actually be implemented directly in practice. This means that Skellefteå Droneport can become one of the first in Europe to offer hydrogen for testing and development purposes, says Henrik Littorin, program manager at Arctic Aviation Hub.
This is also an example of how students can contribute to the development of the industry through real cases. Something that enhances both the companies and Skellefteå's attractiveness as a future city.
When academia meets industry
For Arctic Aviation Hub, the report represents an invaluable basis for taking the next step.
– The fellows have conducted an in-depth and analytical work that corresponds to a comprehensive consulting assignment. But they have also taken additional steps and delivered something that can actually be implemented directly in practice. This means that Skellefteå Droneport can become one of the first in Europe to offer hydrogen for testing and development purposes, says Henrik Littorin, program manager at Arctic Aviation Hub.
This is also an example of how students can contribute to the development of the industry through real cases. Something that enhances both the companies and Skellefteå's attractiveness as a future city.
When academia meets industry
For Arctic Aviation Hub, the report represents an invaluable basis for taking the next step.
– The fellows have conducted an in-depth and analytical work that corresponds to a comprehensive consulting assignment. But they have also taken additional steps and delivered something that can actually be implemented directly in practice. This means that Skellefteå Droneport can become one of the first in Europe to offer hydrogen for testing and development purposes, says Henrik Littorin, program manager at Arctic Aviation Hub.
This is also an example of how students can contribute to the development of the industry through real cases. Something that enhances both the companies and Skellefteå's attractiveness as a future city.
When academia meets industry
For Arctic Aviation Hub, the report represents an invaluable basis for taking the next step.
– The fellows have conducted an in-depth and analytical work that corresponds to a comprehensive consulting assignment. But they have also taken additional steps and delivered something that can actually be implemented directly in practice. This means that Skellefteå Droneport can become one of the first in Europe to offer hydrogen for testing and development purposes, says Henrik Littorin, program manager at Arctic Aviation Hub.
This is also an example of how students can contribute to the development of the industry through real cases. Something that enhances both the companies and Skellefteå's attractiveness as a future city.
Facts: Samme Foundation
Gives scholarships every summer to students from universities and colleges.
Each scholarship recipient receives 40,000 kronor to work on their own business ideas or development projects at local companies.
The student must live in Skellefteå during the summer. Many come from Campus Skellefteå, but returning students from other universities also participate.
Since 2023, an additional scholarship of 100,000 kronor is awarded to the project deemed to have the greatest significance for the business community.
Behind the foundation is 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.
