Schiphol launches trial of hydrogen power unit

Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport is testing a new hydrogen-based facility to power aircraft on the ground in another initiative aimed at reducing emissions from its airfield operations.

The airport said that the hydrogen-powered GPU (ground power unit) would be used to create electricity for lighting and power in the cockpit of KLM Cityhopper aircraft on the airfield’s apron.

Schiphol described the development as a “world first” and added that it was being co-funded by the European Commission through the TULIPS partnership, which is also working on “large scale” deliveries of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and sustainable energy storage.

Sybren Hahn, Schiphol’s executive director of infrastructure, said: “I am extremely proud that we are the first airport in the world to test this innovation.

“The hydrogen-powered GPU fits within our ambition for our own ground activities to be emission-free in 2030. Through continuous innovation and improvement, we can contribute to better air quality for our employees and the local environment.” 

Maarten Koopmans, managing director of KLM Cityhopper, added: “It is important that we develop hydrogen-powered equipment to achieve an emission-free ground operation.

“Today’s battery solutions do not always meet operational requirements. At KLM Cityhopper, we work hard with our partners on technological solutions that we can ultimately use as standard in our operations.”