Green Hydrogen Applications for Sustainable Airport Ground Operations

This whitepaper examines the integration of hydrogen-powered ground support equipment (GSE) into sustainable airport ground operations, with a focus on determining the conditions under which hydrogen GSE could be effectively deployed. Innovative concepts in this field are becoming increasingly important as the need to quickly reduce the climate impact of global transport systems grows. For the aviation sector, progress towards zeroemission practices remains particularly challenging, and it has remained unclear to what extent green hydrogen could play a role in this clean energy transition. Therefore, it is essential to understand the challenges and requirements associated with green hydrogen-based processes, such as hydrogen production and distribution logistics, high-pressure storage and plane refuelling procedures, integration into airport infrastructure or hydrogen-specific operational protocols, and relevant strategic decisions in this regard. Hydrogen GSE is part of a broader mix of technologies necessary for achieving zero-emission airside operations, complementing existing solutions rather than merely replacing them. This includes specific airport characteristics that need to be considered when assessing the economic and environmental suitability of green hydrogen integration, for example operational demands, existing infrastructure capabilities, and commitment to sustainability objectives. By reviewing case studies and best practices from successful hydrogen projects at leading airports, the paper provides actionable insights for airports considering the adoption of hydrogen solutions. This includes strategic considerations regarding an implementation of hydrogen-powered GSE, aligned with airport circumstances and broader objectives of sustainable aviation.