Schiphol to pilot hydrogen vehicles in daily operations
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol will be the first major international airport to pilot hydrogen-powered vehicles on airport grounds.
During the pilot programme, an aircraft tow vehicle and a prototype Toyota pick up truck with an electric engine powered by hydrogen will be tested.
Schiphol will have its own temporary hydrogen refuelling station to supply the vehicles with hydrogen.
The pilot is an important step in reaching Schiphol’s target of emission-free ground transport by 2030.
Throughout the trial, a hydrogen-powered aircraft tractor will tow KLM Boeing 737s between aircraft parking areas, hangars, taxiways and gates.
The Toyota pick-up truck will be used by the Bird Control team who are responsible for keeping birds away from the runway.
Esme Valk, Chief People & Transformation Officer at Royal Schiphol Group said hydrogen is a promising addition to battery-electric vehicles, especially for those used intensively or that need to be on standby.
She, said:
By testing at the airport, we are exploring innovative solutions that contribute to emission-free ground operations.
“This is not only good for the climate, but also for the air quality for our employees and the local environment.”
Schiphol says that hydrogen-powered vehicles do not produce emissions and they have the advantages over battery-electric vehicles of short refuelling time and reliable range, even in low temperatures.
The pilot is part of the TULIPS programme and made possible in part by a grant from the European Union.
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Schiphol to pilot hydrogen vehicles in daily operations, source
