Schiphol has become the first airport worldwide to conduct tests with a hydrogen-powered Ground Power Unit (GPU) in its operation.

The H2-GPU is being used to supply KLM Cityhopper aircraft on the apron with electricity, which is used for lighting and power in the cockpit.

Schiphol stated that this world-first achievement is a part of the TULIPS partnership, which was initiated by the airport and co-funded by the European Commission.

Emission-free operations by 2030

"Together with ground handling companies and the aviation sector, Schiphol is working towards an emission-free operation. Some stationary aircraft at the gates are already receiving power from e-GPUs (electrical Ground Power Units). These e-GPUs have to be taken to special charging points in order to be charged. The new H2-GPU can be refuelled on-site by a tanker, which saves significant time," said Sybren Hahn, executive director of Infrastructure.

He noted that e-GPUs sometimes have insufficient capacity, meaning diesel GPUs remain necessary. In addition to the switch to the cleaner HVO100 diesel, Schiphol continues to look for an emission-free solution for aircraft, such as the hydrogen GPU.

"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," Hahn added.

Maarten Koopmans, managing director of KLM Cityhopper, cited the importance of developing 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," he said.

The pilot, which is partly subsidised by the EU, is being carried out in collaboration with KLM and various partners.

Schiphol coordinates the TULIPS project, funded by the European Commission. In this partnership of 33 European aviation parties and knowledge institutes, new technologies and procedures are being developed to accelerate the sustainability of airport operations.

In addition to the development of this H2 GPU, the project is also working on large-scale SAF deliveries, sustainable energy storage and circular material solutions that contribute to the objectives of the EU Green Deal.