Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Pioneers World's First Hydrogen-Powered Ground Power Unit
Key Ideas
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is conducting pilot tests with a hydrogen-powered ground power unit (GPU) to supply KLM Cityhopper aircraft with electricity, aiming to decarbonize airside operations.
- The hydrogen GPU, developed by Austrian GSE manufacturer Dynell and Dutch hydrogen fuel cell technology company Zepp.solutions, is part of the TULIPS partnership funded by the European Commission.
- Schiphol's initiative aligns with its goal to have emission-free ground activities by 2030, contributing to better air quality for employees and the local environment.
- The TULIPS project involves 33 European aviation parties and knowledge institutes, focusing on sustainable aviation fuel deliveries, energy storage, and circular material solutions to support the EU Green Deal objectives.
In a groundbreaking move, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has initiated pilot tests with a hydrogen-powered ground power unit (GPU) to provide electricity to KLM Cityhopper aircraft on the apron. The hydrogen GPU, a collaboration between Austrian GSE manufacturer Dynell and Dutch company Zepp.solutions, is part of the TULIPS partnership backed by the European Commission. This innovative approach aims to decarbonize airside operations, complementing existing electric equipment. Schiphol's executive director expressed pride in being the first airport to test this innovation, emphasizing the airport's goal of achieving emission-free ground activities by 2030. The new hydrogen GPU can be refueled on site, saving time compared to electric GPUs that require charging at specific points. The TULIPS project, involving various European aviation entities, is focused on developing sustainable technologies for airport operations, including sustainable aviation fuel deliveries and circular material solutions. This successful collaboration highlights the aviation industry's commitment to cleaner alternatives and aligns with the EU Green Deal's objectives.
Topics
Aviation
Clean Energy
Innovation
Sustainability
Aviation Technology
Airport Operations
European Commission
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