The UK’s first hydrogen powered aircraft trial turnaround has taken place at Exeter Airport, involving a TUI Boeing 737 aircraft, and a hydrogen-powered baggage tug, pushback tug, and ground power unit.
The trial was supported by the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Hydrogen Challenge programme, Cranfield University, ULEMCo, MULAG, and Boeing. The equipment was refuelled by Fuel Cell Systems’ HyQube 350 refueller using green hydrogen produced and supplied by Protium.
“We’re proud to have hosted this important trial, which reflects our commitment to sustainability and innovation,” said Stephen Wiltshire, Managing Director of Exeter Airport, owned and operated by Regional and City Airports. “The demonstration shows how hydrogen can be integrated into day-to-day airport operations, with lessons we can share across our airport group and the wider sector. Regional airports are most likely to be those handling the first generation of smaller hydrogen aircraft, so it makes sense that they should be the focus of any test-bed activities.”
Prior to the trail, Cranfield University conducted a study at Exeter Airport that showed over 78,000 litres of diesel were consumed over twelve months, with 200 tonnes of CO2e emissions as a result. Ground Power Units were the highest source of these emissions at 39 per cent of the total.
The Hydrogen Challenge is funded through the Regulators’ Pioneer Fund and aims to support the Government’s Jet Zero targets through the development and testing of technologies and infrastructure.
“Fresh thinking and new regulatory approaches will give confidence to investors, researchers and consumers alike,” commented Science Minister Lord Vallance. “We want to encourage businesses to choose the UK as the best destination to develop their new ideas and bring great technologies to market. Our funding for these 15 pioneering projects will give UK regulators and local authorities the support they need to accelerate innovation and turn it into success in every corner of the country.”
“The number of hydrogen technologies on show here demonstrates the versatility of this clean fuel in a range of applications,” added Amanda Lyne, Managing Director of ULEMCo. “In addition to providing the academic data requested by government, this project shows practical, cost-effective solutions to decarbonisation. As real-world examples of hydrogen fuel usage increase, the case for investment in UK wide refuelling infrastructure grows ever stronger.”
These types of studies and trials are hoped to advance the understanding and regulations surrounding airside hydrogen use, which could one day lead to hydrogen-fuelled aircraft.
Photo: Exeter Airport
