Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) has become the first airport globally to test a hydrogen-powered Ground Power Unit (GPU) as part of its operations.
The H2-GPU is being used to supply electricity to KLM Cityhopper aircraft on the apron for lighting and cockpit systems.
This project is part of Schiphol’s mission to achieve emission-free operations.
Sybren Hahn, Executive Director of Infrastructure at Schiphol 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.
Many stationary aircraft at the airport’s gates already use e-GPUs (electrical Ground Power Units), which need to be taken to specific charging points to recharge. In contrast, the new H2-GPU can be refuelled on-site by a tanker, thus saving significant time.
Additionally, e-GPUs sometimes lack the necessary capacity, leading to the use of diesel GPUs. The hydrogen GPU thus fulfills a need for an entirely emission-free solution.
Maarten Koopmans, Managing Director KLM Cityhopper said: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. I therefore consider it an honour that we can be the first to test the new hydrogen GPU.
This pilot project involves a collaboration between KLM and several partners, with partial funding from the EU.
The H2-GPU was developed by Zepp.solutions, a scale-up from Delft, in conjunction with Austrian GPU manufacturer Dynell.
The use of the H2-GPU is overseen by KES, which is responsible for managing the GPU pool at Schiphol.
