Groningen Airport Eelde has made a significant breakthrough in sustainable aviation with the unveiling of a hydrogen-powered Ground Power Unit (GPU), claiming a world-first achievement.
This innovative solution replaces the conventional diesel generators currently used at airports, providing a more environmentally friendly alternative.
The project, a collaboration between Groningen Airport Eelde, New Energy Coalition, the Province of Drenthe, KLM Equipment Services, the HyTrEc2 hydrogen project, the University of Groningen, and Holthausen Clean Technologies, demonstrates a major step toward a more sustainable future for the airport.
Meiltje de Groot, the airport director, emphasizes the significance of this development in reducing environmental impact and making ground handling operations greener. Replacing diesel with hydrogen in these devices offers significant benefits. Not only does it minimize carbon emissions, but it also enhances ease of use by maintaining the same external structure as traditional generators. This consistency in design ensures familiarity for those working with the equipment.
Groningen Airport Eelde’s hydrogen-powered GPU sets it apart from other airports around the world. While Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands is transitioning its generators to electrical appliances, the hydrogen-powered aggregate at Groningen Airport Eelde retains the same external features, providing enhanced usability and convenience. Although modifications have been made to accommodate hydrogen internally, the generator’s overall design remains consistent, allowing for seamless integration.
However, the airport’s future plans have faced criticism from the Northern Court of Audit, which questioned the feasibility and sustainability of their innovative initiatives. The audit highlighted the lack of independent advice sought by shareholders and the Supervisory Board to assess the viability of these plans. External experts engaged by the Court of Audit concluded that the airport’s new proposals have only a small chance of success.
Despite the scrutiny, the hydrogen-powered GPU at Groningen Airport Eelde stands as a testament to the airport’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. It showcases the potential for hydrogen technology in the aviation industry and serves as a beacon of progress for other airports worldwide to follow.
