A consortium led by Glasgow Airport and net zero consulting co-developer Ikigai is embarking on a project to test the feasibility of a hydrogen production, storage, and distribution hub at the Scottish travel hub.
The initiative, backed by funding from the Scottish government’s Hydrogen Innovation Scheme, aims to support the development of renewable hydrogen technologies.
The Glasgow Airport Hydrogen Innovation Hub project brings together an international consortium consisting of H2GO Power, ZeroAvia, Ricardo, Altrad Babcock, OG Clean Fuels, the University of Glasgow, Scottish Water Horizons, and two airlines, easyJet and Loganair.
The primary goal of the feasibility study is to determine the most efficient and bankable solutions for green hydrogen production, storage, and refueling. One of the key aspects of the study involves using AI software developed by H2GO Power to compare the efficiency of electrolyser and storage solutions. The study will also explore the integration of modular electrolyser technology with an onsite solar microgrid already established at Glasgow Airport by Ikigai.
Another significant aspect of the project is the design of the infrastructure and process for delivering hydrogen from solid-state storage to a gaseous mobile storage and dispensing unit, enabling its use by hydrogen-powered aircraft and ground-handling equipment.
The completion of the project is expected by early 2024, with the vision of extending the concept to other regional terminals, creating a network of hydrogen-ready sites throughout the UK, including Aberdeen and Southampton, which, along with Glasgow, make up AGS Airports.
Jon Matthews, Group Head of Capital Investment at AGS Airports, emphasized the potential of hydrogen-powered aircraft to revolutionize aviation, particularly on regional and short-haul routes. The project aims to address the unique challenges of safely storing hydrogen at scale within an airport environment, as zero-emission flight progress continues to be made by airline manufacturers.
The Glasgow Airport Hydrogen Innovation Hub project is a significant step toward advancing green aviation and developing sustainable transportation solutions. By exploring the feasibility of hydrogen production, storage, and distribution at the airport, the consortium aims to pave the way for a future where hydrogen-powered aircraft play a key role in reducing emissions and revolutionizing the aviation industry.
