A £3 million competition has been created to fund pioneering research into electric and hydrogen aircraft development.

The Department for Transport (DfT) announced that it will give up to £50,000 in grants to firms and institutions pursuing relevant projects.

This could result in increased support for systems that include electric charging stations and hydrogen fueling stations.

The competition for Zero Emission Flight Infrastructure is one of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s ten-point strategy for a “green industrial revolution.”

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “As the first major economy to commit to net zero by 2050, we’ve gone further than any country in the world to slash our aviation emissions – providing leadership, funding and the framework needed to lead the charge. Now is the time for organisations and companies to take advantage of the opportunities we have provided to harness the economic and environmental benefits building back better and greener has to offer.”