Currently, six electric planes are flying in the Netherlands, 4 of which are part of E-Flight Academy. The development in this sector is auspicious. Electric planes are rapidly getting bigger and there are more of them. “Therefore, the rollout of a nationwide NRG2fly network is crucial,” E-Flight Academy owner Merlijn van Vliet says. In a post on LinkedIn, he explains that this network “is preparing us for a comprehensive European network, which will allow you to fly point-to-point electric aircraft.”
NRG2fly is breaking new ground in electric aviation, striving to make air travel cleaner and more efficient. Maarten Steinbuch, a renowned professor in Control Systems Technology at Eindhoven University of Technology, is leading the charge with an ambitious vision to revolutionize flight. He shared his vision in an interview for NRG2Fly.
The aviation industry has grappled with high carbon emissions, sparking a race to develop greener solutions. NRG2fly aims to be at the forefront of this movement. As Steinbuch explains, “We need to transition to more sustainable transportation methods, and aviation is a critical area where innovation can make a substantial impact.”
The company focuses on developing electric aircraft designed for short-haul flights, aiming to tackle a specific niche in sustainable travel. The first models are suited for flights of around 100 to 150 kilometers. While these distances are modest, they represent a meaningful step toward reducing overall emissions. Short-haul flights contribute significantly to aviation emissions. And electrifying these routes is an effective way to start, NRG2Fly has decided.
With electric aviation expected to expand rapidly in the coming years, NRG2fly’s ambitious project seeks to provide efficient and accessible charging options at airports nationwide. “The goal of this charging network is to facilitate the transition to electric flight,” Steinbuch explains. “We want to make sure that electric planes can easily charge at both large and smaller airports throughout the country, laying the groundwork for a sustainable future in aviation.”
A core component of NRG2fly’s mission is the establishment of a unified charging standard for all airports and aircraft, ensuring that planes can be charged uniformly across locations. “This consistency not only simplifies the user experience but also makes it easier to implement the infrastructure across various sites,” Steinbuch notes.
Designing charging infrastructure for planes presents unique challenges compared to electric car networks. Aircraft require much higher power outputs, depending on their size and battery systems. Additionally, airports must integrate this infrastructure into daily operations while managing significant power demands. “That’s where a single standard will truly make a difference, preventing the confusion of varying technical requirements and systems,” Steinbuch says.
Net congestion
NRG2fly faces complex challenges as it brings this network to life, particularly in coordinating with airports and securing sufficient power supply at each location. “One of the biggest issues is network congestion,” Steinbuch reveals. The growing electricity demand in densely populated or industrial areas can strain the power grid, and airports—especially those serving electric aircraft—require reliable, high-capacity power sources.
However, Steinbuch sees these challenges as opportunities. At NRG2fly, they are advising airports to use “smart grid management” options and create energy hubs that integrate local energy storage and renewable sources such as solar and wind. “These hubs will allow airports to manage their energy demands efficiently, ensuring a stable supply without overburdening the national grid.”
The TU Eindhoven team is also actively researching optimal designs for these energy hubs, exploring the ideal types and sizes of batteries and advanced energy management systems. “We’re constantly looking for practical, creative solutions to balance power needs throughout the year, like tapping into parked electric car batteries,” Steinbuch shares.
Commitment to sustainability
This charging network could be transformative for the aviation industry, with small electric planes, such as two- and four-seaters, likely to benefit first. “As technology advances, larger aircraft will come into play, and this network will be critical to making electric flight mainstream,” Steinbuch asserts. Besides paving the way for sustainable air travel, the network offers airports new revenue streams and an opportunity to strengthen their commitment to sustainability.
Currently, NRG2fly is in the initial rollout phase, launching a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with test sites across the Netherlands. “The MVP will allow us to refine the technology and processes, so we can scale quickly,” Steinbuch says. With a nationwide network in sight, NRG2fly is set to empower the first generation of commercial electric planes, marking a significant step toward a greener aviation landscape.
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