A UK airport trial has generated new operational evidence that could help the global aviation industry understand how hydrogen-powered ground equipment can be introduced safely and practically, and what is needed to support wider adoption.
The study, led by Exeter Airport, Cranfield University and ULEMCo, tested a dual-fuel hydrogen-diesel ground power unit over multiple days in winter operating conditions.
The findings also provide insights into where dual-fuel hydrogen technology may be most effective, suggesting that its greatest benefits could be achieved in equipment used continuously or for longer operating cycles.
The Winter Operations HyGPU project follows the groundbreaking Zero Carbon Turn trial at Exeter Airport in April 2025, which achieved several UK firsts when three different hydrogen-powered technologies supported the live turnaround of a TUI Boeing 737.
Across eight operational days, the equipment completed 15 tests lasting a total of almost six hours. It consumed 7.41kg of green hydrogen, displacing an estimated 24.23 litres of diesel and avoiding approximately 63.9kg of carbon dioxide emissions.
No safety incidents or significant operational problems were reported. Airport ground crew also found little practical difference between operating the converted equipment and using a conventional diesel GPU.
The report estimates that converting all seven of Exeter Airport’s existing GPUs to the same dual-fuel system could potentially save more than 11,000 litres of diesel and approximately 35 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year.
Stephen Wiltshire, Managing Director of Exeter Airport, which is part of the Regional & City Airports group, said: “The original Zero Carbon Turn project proved that different types of hydrogen-powered ground equipment could work together safely in a live airport environment. This latest study delivers on our commitment to build on that by testing the technology over a longer period and in more representative winter conditions.
“The new report gives us a much clearer indication of the potential operational and environmental benefits. It shows that converting existing equipment could provide airports with a practical way to reduce emissions while the infrastructure for fully zero-emission technologies continues to develop.
“Regional airports like Exeter are well placed to support trials of this kind, and we are proud that the evidence generated here is contributing to the wider development of hydrogen aviation in the UK.”
Image: Exeter Airport
