OLGA proudly participated in the Transport Research Arena (TRA) 2024 held in Dublin, Ireland, from April 15 to 18. TRA is a premier event that brings together industry professionals and organisations to explore the latest advancements and innovations in transportation.
At TRA2024, attendees had the opportunity to engage in a variety of presentations, workshops, and discussions covering a wide range of topics crucial to the transport industry, from sustainable urban and rural mobility to cutting-edge technological advancements across road, rail, aviation, water, and cross-logistics sectors. OLGA was represented by three of its partner organisations, SEA Milan Airports and FTTS ( University of Zagreb, Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences) and COMOTI (Romanian Research & Development Institute for Gas Turbines).
On the second day of the event, Asst. Prof. Matija Bracic, from the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, presented research results from the OLGA project. The paper titled "UAV integration into airport infrastructure inspection procedures - case study Zagreb airport," outlined methodologies and procedures for using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in airport infrastructure inspection, demonstrating innovative approaches to airport operations and the workflow for the integration of UAVs into airport operations.
On day 3, Massimo Corradi, Head of Funded Initiatives Program Management at SEA Milan Airports, took the stage in a special session on the pivotal role of ports and airports in driving the green and digital transition of mobility & logistics, alongside sister project STARGATE. Massimo presented insights into the OLGA project, with a special focus on the H2 production facility that will be installed in Malpensa, which is now in its final design phase. This facility, part of OLGA's Work Package 5, is being developed in collaboration among SNAM, SEA, RINA and other partners and aims to demonstrate how EU airports can become green-H2 production hubs, showcasing sustainable practices in aviation.
The H2 facility features a photovoltaic-driven electrolyser designed to minimise hydrogen production costs while maximising local photovoltaic production. The facility will start its operation phase during OLGA and will continue operations after the project’s end. During the lifespan of the OLGA project, it will provide green-H2 to local purposes such as airport shuttles and operating vehicles, besides being used during the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in 2026 for the passengers’ transportation to the Olympic venues. Massimo highlighted how the OLGA plant represents the starting point for the expansion plan of the H2 infrastructures at Malpensa Airport, by showing a clear roadmap until 2050.
OLGA remains committed to pushing the boundaries of transportation research and fostering sustainable solutions for the future.