Schiphol Leads the Way with First Hydrogen-Powered Ground Power Unit for Aircraft at the Airport
Key Ideas
- Schiphol becomes the first airport to test a hydrogen-powered ground power unit (GPU) for aircraft, aiming for emission-free operations by 2030.
- The H2-GPU provides electricity to aircraft on the apron, supplementing the use of e-GPUs and reducing the need for diesel GPUs.
- Collaboration with KLM and other partners on this initiative is part of the EU-funded TULIPS project, contributing to the EU Green Deal objectives.
- The development of the H2-GPU by Zepp.solutions and Dynell is a step towards sustainable airport operations and better air quality.
Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam is pioneering the use of a hydrogen-powered ground power unit (GPU) to supply KLM Cityhopper aircraft with electricity on the airport apron. This innovative move is part of the TULIPS partnership, led by Schiphol and co-funded by the European Commission, aiming to achieve emission-free airport operations. The airport had already been using e-GPUs to provide power to stationary aircraft, but these required charging at specific points, unlike the new H2-GPU which can be refuelled on site. The introduction of the hydrogen-powered GPU not only saves time but also reduces the reliance on diesel GPUs. The airport's Executive Director Infrastructure expressed pride in this groundbreaking initiative, highlighting the goal of making their ground activities emission-free by 2030. KLM Cityhopper's Managing Director emphasized the importance of developing such equipment for emission-free operations, noting that current battery solutions do not always meet operational requirements. The pilot project, conducted in partnership with KLM and various stakeholders, is subsidized by the EU as part of the broader TULIPS project. The collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices in airport operations, aligning with the goals of the EU Green Deal. The development of the hydrogen GPU by Zepp.solutions and Dynell represents a significant step towards achieving sustainable airport operations and improving air quality.