Sustainable airport

Groningen Airport Eelde is taking several measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions:

Solar park: With more than 63,000 solar panels, the solar park provides enough green power for thousands of households and makes the airport self-sufficient in its electricity consumption.
Emission-free ground operation: Using electric ground equipment for aircraft handling and developing a hydrogen Ground Power Unit (GPU) to power aircraft on the ground.
Electric flying: Installation of charging facility for electric aircraft and collaboration for commercialisation of electric flying.
Flying on hydrogen: Research on providing sustainably generated hydrogen as fuel for aircraft.

Sustainable energy is used in various ways at Groningen Airport Eelde:

Solar park with over 63,000 panels provides green power to 6,000 households and makes the airport self-sufficient in its electricity consumption.
Green Hydrogen: The airport has plans to produce green hydrogen. This will be done mainly at times when there is a surplus of energy from the solar park, making efficient use of renewable energy. Through the 'GRQ Hydrogen Valley Airport' project, green hydrogen will be produced and used, both for airport operations and for third parties.
Emission-free ground equipment: The airport uses electric baggage carts, aircraft stairs, and other ground equipment, contributing to the reduction of fossil fuel use. In addition, the airport is developing a hydrogen GPU with partners, which provides aircraft with electric power when grounded.

Yes, Groningen Airport Eelde has plans to further increase the use of renewable energy sources: 

Solar park expansion: There are plans for a significant expansion of the current solar park. This will not only meet the airport's growing energy needs, but also provide the opportunity to feed surplus green energy back into the local energy grid.
Hydrogen ecosystem development: The airport is working on the 'GRQ Hydrogen Valley Airport' project, aimed at creating a complete hydrogen ecosystem, including the production, distribution and use of green hydrogen.
Electrification of Ground Operations: Further electrification of ground operations, such as the use of electric ground equipment, helps reduce the use of fossil fuels.

Yes, Groningen Airport Eelde is involved in several initiatives to reduce the ecological footprint of aircraft:

Electric flying: The installation of the first electric aircraft charging facility in the Netherlands is an important step towards electric flying. Together with the KLM Flight Academy, further steps are being taken in the electrification of pilot training. This contributes to the development of a new generation of environmentally conscious pilots and reduces dependence on fossil fuels, leading to lower emissions. Since 2020, through collaborative initiatives such as 'Power-Up', and in partnership with Electron Aviation and EVIA AERO, we have been working to commercialise electric flying.
Flying on hydrogen: Groningen Airport Eelde, together with partners, is conducting research into providing sustainably generated hydrogen as fuel for aircraft.

Groningen Airport Eelde encourages the use of public transport and other sustainable means of transport in several ways:

Good public transport connections: The airport is committed to promoting public transport by maintaining strong connections to the nearby train and bus network. This makes it easier for passengers and staff to choose environmentally friendly travel options. Discussions are ongoing with the public transport agency and the Province of Drenthe to further improve bus connections. These efforts are aimed at increasing the accessibility and convenience of public transport for airport users.
Facilities for cyclists: Facilities such as secure bicycle parking and charging points for electric bicycles encourage staff and passengers to come by bicycle.

Groningen Airport Eelde is taking several measures to improve air quality around the airport:

Reducing aviation emissions: By focusing on electric flying and the use of sustainable aviation fuels, such as biofuels, aircraft emissions of harmful gases and particulates are reduced.
Use of (hydrogen) electric ground equipment: Switching to electric ground vehicles for baggage and aircraft handling reduces exhaust emissions at the airport.
Green spaces: Creating and maintaining green spaces around the airport helps absorb CO2 and improve air quality.
Limiting transport movements: Measures to reduce traffic to and from the airport, such as encouraging public transport and bicycle use, reduce vehicle emissions.

Travellers can be given the option to offset their carbon emissions while booking their flight. This is often done by investing in sustainable projects such as reforestation, renewable energy projects or other environmental initiatives.

Groningen Airport Eelde plays a significant role in the wider aviation industry in terms of sustainability through various initiatives and strategies:

Innovation and testing ground: As a small-scale regional airport, Groningen Airport Eelde acts as a testing ground for sustainable aviation technologies. Testing and implementing new sustainable initiatives, such as electric flying and hydrogen technology, serves as an example for other airports.
Education and training: By collaborating with educational institutions such as Noorderpoort, Alfa-College and KLM Flight Academy, the airport contributes to the education of a new generation of (aviation) professionals with a focus on sustainability.

Groningen Airport Eelde has constructed a solar park for several reasons, focusing on sustainability and efficiency. The solar park enables the airport to make optimal use of the available land. By installing more than 63,000 solar panels between the runways and 1,200 panels on the corridor, the airport generates enough power to be self-sufficient in its electricity consumption. Not only does this contribute to the airport's self-sufficiency, but it also effectively utilises space that would otherwise go unused.

Yes, Groningen Airport Eelde uses environmentally friendly vehicles as part of its efforts to reduce its environmental impact:

(Hydrogen) electric ground equipment: The airport deploys electric vehicles for various ground operations. This includes electric baggage carts, aircraft stairs and possibly other service vehicles. For vehicles with higher energy demand, the airport is looking at hydrogen. This fits within the broader strategy of developing a hydrogen ecosystem at the airport.
Supporting sustainable transport: The airport is working with TotalEnergies to establish a hydrogen fuelling station and fast charging station for electric vehicles. This will enable both airport vehicles and visitors to use electric and hydrogen vehicles.