Sustainability & innovation
Groningen Airport Eelde is building a future proof regional airport. We reduce emissions on the ground, generate renewable energy and accelerate innovation together with education, businesses and government. Our ambition is clear, flying must become cleaner and smarter, the airport moves with it and takes the initiative.
NXT Airport
NXT Airport is our programme for the sustainable renewal of aviation. Based on four themes, sustainability, energy, education, and innovation, we are building an airport that looks beyond flying alone. It is a place for cooperation, renewal, and concrete change.
See the overview of our projects
Projectupdates
Frequently asked questions
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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. -
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.