At the Nordic level, there is currently no unified legislation or strategy for aviation. Formal cooperation on transport at the ministerial level ceased in 2005 following dissolution of the Nordic Council of Ministers for Transport (MR-Transport) as part of a broader reform effort. Instead, several Nordic initiatives and collaborations related to aviation, such as NEA and NISA, have emerged, alongside national strategies and targets for sustainable aviation, including a focus on electric aviation. Below we highlight some of the key initiatives. However, for a more comprehensive analysis please consult the series of reports of the 'Electric Aviation and the effects on the Nordic Region' project. (Cavicchia et al., 2024; Löfving et al., 2023; Wendt-Lucas, 2023)
Denmark
The Danish government unveiled the 'Green Aviation for All' plan in September 2022, aiming to make all domestic flights 100% green by 2030 (Ministry of Transport et al., 2022). The initiative involves subsidised flights and primarily focuses on sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). SAFs in Denmark will primarily come from agro-biomass and waste, unlike in neighbouring countries like Sweden and Finland, where forestry biomass is more common. Transitioning to use of SAFs is expected to help achieve 100% green domestic aviation by 2030. Furthermore, long-term goals include incorporating electric aviation after 2030.
Finland
Finland's aviation strategy addresses electric aviation as a part of its 12-year plan (2021-2032), with the aim of carbon neutrality by 2030. The government views electric aviation as a key solution for reducing emissions while improving the domestic air service. To that end, Finland is investing in research and innovation in relation to electric fuels and collaborating with ICAO and EASA to develop standards for electric and hybrid aircraft. Additionally, regulations for electric aviation continue to evolve, with consideration given to safety issues such as battery fire risks and winter airfield maintenance.
Iceland
Iceland's aviation policy, which was introduced in 2020, places a strong emphasis on reducing environmental impacts and promoting the transition to electric aviation. In line with that, a working group was established by the Icelandic parliament in 2021 to develop a strategy for using eco-friendly energy sources for domestic flights by 2030, with a focus on electricity. As with other Nordic countries, the main potential of electric planes is expected to lie in operating short domestic routes, increasing flight frequency and reducing both emissions and operating costs (Stjórnarráð Íslands Innviðaráðuneytið, 2022). Emphasis is also given to the need for improved infrastructure, such as enhanced electricity distribution at rural airports, to support those goals. Iceland plans to ensure that 20% of domestic flights use renewable energy, including electricity, by 2030 and aims for all domestic flights to run on renewable energy by 2040. Furthermore, Iceland seeks to become a testing ground for electric and hybrid aircraft by 2026.
Norway
Norway is leading the way in electric aviation among the Nordic countries. A national programme, developed in 2020, outlines goals for the introduction of commercial electric aviation with support from the Norwegian government along with partners like Widerøe, SAS and the Zero Emission Resource Organisation (Avinor, 2020). Key targets include operating the first scheduled domestic electric flights by 2030 and achieving fully electrified domestic aviation by 2040, thereby cutting emissions by 80% compared to 2020.