We’ve been testing the H2-GPU, a hydrogen-powered Ground Power Unit (GPU), at the airport operation since August. A GPU is a generator that provides parked planes with power. That’s needed to keep the systems and lighting on board running.
The GPU traditionally uses diesel. That is why most diesel GPUs at Schiphol have already been replaced by electric GPUs (e-GPU). Alternatively, stationary aircraft use shore power via Fixed Power Units. As a result, almost all parked planes at the gates are now supplied with electrical power at Schiphol. But it’s not available everywhere yet.
The e-GPU is only suitable for smaller planes, such as the Cityhopper. Unfortunately, the e-GPU has too little capacity for larger aircraft. A number of large aircraft can use a Fixed Power Unit. But if such a plane is located at a gate where there is no Fixed Power Unit yet, or further away in the field on a buffer, it still has to make do with a diesel GPU. And although all diesel at Schiphol has been replaced by the cleaner HVO100 variant, we also want an emission-free solution for the larger aircraft. That could well be the H2-GPU.
The pilot with the H2-GPU has just started. Among other things, we are testing how long it takes to fuel and the ease of use. Schiphol has a world first with the H2-GPU. We are the first airport with a working and approved H2-GPU. Not surprisingly, many foreign airports are following the pilot with interest. After all, like Schiphol, many airports have the ambition to become emission-free. And for many airports the e-GPU is not a solution because the electrical infrastructure in their take-off and landing areas is inadequate.
Schiphol is conducting this pilot with several partners amongst KLM. The H2-GPU was developed and built by Zepp solutions, a start-up in Delft, and Austrian GPU manufacturer Dynell. KES is managing the GPUs at Schiphol and is in charge of its usage. The pilot is being carried out as part of the TULIPS programme, a European collaboration involving 29 aviation parties and knowledge institutes. Schiphol is leading the programme that runs until the end of 2025. Its goal is to develop innovations that accelerate airport sustainability. The H2-GPU is partially funded by the EU. Schiphol wants to be a zero-emission airport with a zero-emission ground handling operation by 2030. The replacement of diesel GPUs by electric ones, the installation of shore power and the H2-GPU pilot are all contributing to this ambition.
