Bristol Airport launches decarbonisation innovation fund

May 13, 2026

2 min read

Bristol Airport announced the next phase of funding for the Aviation Carbon Transition (ACT) Programme, an initiative designed to fast-track decarbonisation projects targeting Scope 3 emissions from flight and transport.

The funding will focus on the south west of England and provide support to organisations developing technologies that drive the aviation industry towards zero emission flights.

The programme has been running since 2022 with recent projects including a feasibility study carried out by Ultima Forma for a liquid hydrogen refuelling system at the airport, and a study by Equilibrion exploring nuclear-enabled sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in the south west.

It will focus on supporting innovation in priority areas which includes the development of alternative fuels, electrification of airport technologies and innovative technologies that have the potential to reduce aviation emissions.

Although the project initially focuses on Scope 3 emissions, proposals that deliver co-benefits for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions are also welcomed. Having opened on 22 April, submissions for the programme will be accepted until 29 May 2026.

Logistics UK’s Senior Policy Manager Alexandra Herdman said: “Investment in innovation is essential if the aviation sector is to meet its decarbonisation ambitions while continuing to support economic growth and connectivity.

“Bristol Airport’s ACT Programme is a positive example of how regional collaboration and targeted funding can help accelerate the development of low carbon technologies, from sustainable aviation fuels to airport electrification.

“Supporting emerging solutions at an early stage will be vital in helping the industry reduce emissions across the wider supply chain and move closer towards net zero operations.”