Hydrogen Valley Airport
Groningen Airport Eelde is positioning itself as Hydrogen Valley Airport, a hub for the development and implementation of hydrogen solutions in aviation. Our location in Europe’s first Hydrogen Valley gives us a strategic advantage to accelerate the transition to clean aviation.
What is Hydrogen Valley Airport?
Hydrogen Valley Airport focuses on the development of hydrogen infrastructure at Groningen Airport Eelde. The emphasis is on the storage, distribution and use of hydrogen for both ground equipment and future aircraft. In this way, our airport becomes a living lab for the application of hydrogen in aviation.
Feasibility study hydrogen infrastructure
Together with regional and international partners we are exploring the possibilities for a safe and future proof hydrogen infrastructure. The objective is to enable storage, transport and eventually the supply of hydrogen to end users such as airlines. This research forms the basis for investments and concrete steps towards emission free aviation.
Hydrogen Ground Power Unit
Groningen Airport Eelde has developed an innovative Ground Power Unit that runs on hydrogen. A GPU supplies aircraft on the ground with electricity, and the diesel version accounts for a significant share of fuel consumption at airports. Our hydrogen GPU is currently at TRL 3, the proof of concept stage, which means the design has been successfully tested in a controlled environment. This project contributes to cleaner and quieter airports.
WAviatER
Groningen Airport Eelde served as a demonstration site within Project WAviatER, a collaboration in the Hydrogen Valley of the Northern Netherlands. Together with a consortium of companies and knowledge institutions, work was carried out on the development of small-scale electrolysers. This technology makes it possible to produce green hydrogen for small-scale regional applications.
Preparing for the aviation of tomorrow
Commercial hydrogen aircraft are not yet available, but the first demonstrations are very promising. Groningen Airport Eelde aims to be ready as soon as this technology becomes available and certified. With Hydrogen Valley Airport we position ourselves as one of the first airports in Europe prepared for the use of hydrogen in aviation.