Groningen Airport Eelde is committed to advancing a sustainable future for aviation. We focus on greening our airport operations and accelerating innovative flight solutions. Our efforts include cleaner ground operations, generating renewable energy and building infrastructure for zero-emission aviation.
63,000 solar panels
Our airside solar park, in operation since February 2020, is the largest of its kind worldwide. With an installed capacity of 21.9 MWp, it generates green electricity for roughly 6,000 households. Solar panels along the passenger corridor supply energy for on‑site airport facilities.
Our ground equipment, such as baggage tractors, passenger stairs, and belt loaders, is gradually becoming emission-free. We are replacing diesel vehicles with electric alternatives and exploring hydrogen for heavier equipment. This reduces emissions and noise, making the airport cleaner and quieter.
Electric flying
Groningen Airport Eelde is participating in the introduction of battery-electric aircraft in the Netherlands. Electric aircraft produce no direct CO₂ emissions and are significantly quieter than conventional aircraft. However, the technology is still in development: current battery capacity limits the range, so electric aircraft are currently focused on short distances, such as short regional routes and training flights.
Charging facility for electric aircraft
Groningen Airport Eelde was among the first airports in the Netherlands to install a charging facility for electric aircraft, available since 2020. So far, the charging facility has only been used occasionally, for example, during test and demonstration flights.
Power Up
We participate in Power Up, a collaborative initiative among several Dutch airports, aiming to enable electric flight on short routes. Within this programme, we develop the necessary charging and flight infrastructure and investigate how electric flying can integrate into existing networks.
Groningen Airport Eelde is participating in the development of hydrogen-powered flights. This technology uses hydrogen as an energy source. Hydrogen-powered aircraft emit no CO₂ during flight and have the potential to cover longer distances emission-free than battery-electric aircraft. However, the technology is still in development: the first demonstration flights with small aircraft have already been completed.
Hydrogen infrastructure
Hydrogen Valley Airport is our evolving concept: Groningen Airport Eelde as a test and application hub for hydrogen technology in aviation. Positioned in the heart of Europe’s first Hydrogen Valley, the project emphasises the airport’s role in accelerating the aviation sector’s shift to hydrogen.
We are part of the Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation, a European Commission initiative that unites airports, airlines and manufacturers in preparing for hydrogen and electric flight.
"For us, Groningen Airport Eelde is a good base for the future. The presence of locally generated green energy is a reason for us to choose Groningen Airport Eelde."
