Amsterdam¡¯s Schiphol airport is testing a new hydrogen-based facility to power aircraft on the ground in another initiative aimed at reducing emissions from its airfield operations.

The airport said that the hydrogen-powered GPU (ground power unit) would be used to create electricity for lighting and power in the cockpit of KLM Cityhopper aircraft on the airfield¡¯s apron.

Schiphol described the development as a ¡°world first¡± and added that it was being co-funded by the European Commission through the TULIPS partnership, which is also working on ¡°large scale¡± deliveries of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and sustainable energy storage.

Sybren Hahn, Schiphol¡¯s executive director of infrastructure, said: ¡°I am extremely proud that we are the first airport in the world to test this innovation.

¡°The hydrogen-powered GPU fits within our ambition for our own ground activities to be emission-free in 2030. Through continuous innovation and improvement, we can contribute to better air quality for our employees and the local environment.¡±?

Maarten Koopmans, managing director of KLM Cityhopper, added: ¡°It is important that we develop hydrogen-powered equipment to achieve an emission-free ground operation.

¡°Today's battery solutions do not always meet operational requirements. At KLM Cityhopper, we work hard with our partners on technological solutions that we can ultimately use as standard in our operations.¡±