Airport could produce its own hydrogen if plans are approved
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) hopes to become the first UK regional airport able to produce its own hydrogen after partnering with Sheffield-based ITM Power.
The proposals for a new sustainable energy hub will use hydrogen and rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities to power the airport’s fleet, as well as allowing LBA to fuel the next generation of hydrogen and EV powered ground handling vehicles.
ITM Power has 20 years’ experience in producing hydrogen from [PEM] electrolysis. Last month it opened the world’s largest electrolyser factory in Sheffield.
The business is the largest operator of Hydrogen Refuelling Stations in the UK and has eight stations where green hydrogen is currently produced on site.
It provides zero-carbon fuel for both heavy duty vehicles and cars, where continued use, long range or heavy loads are required, complementing the use of Battery Electric Vehicles for shorter journeys.
The initiative announced today is incorporated within LBA’s current application for a replacement terminal and, if approved, would mean work could start on the energy hub as early as 2022.
Charles Johnson, head of development at Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “This project is a clear indicator of how serious LBA is about its future sustainability commitments and the first step in realising our ambitions to become a carbon net zero airport for ground-based operations.
“It represents a significant investment in the sustainable future of the airport, preparing us for the new wave of hydrogen and EV powered specialist vehicles on the horizon.
“Passengers will increasingly demand efficient and readily available charging as vehicle technologies continue to develop and become commonplace and we want to be at the forefront of this new way of thinking and operating.
“This initiative is the first of many that form part of our replacement terminal plans, which will have a direct impact on businesses and the economy in Yorkshire.”
Duncan Yellen, MD at ITM Power, Motive added: “Green hydrogen provides the missing piece in the transport jigsaw, freeing transport to perform all the functionality currently delivered by diesel whilst emitting nothing but clean water and helping us power our way to a net zero future.
“Our strategy is to develop a network of large scale Hydrogen Refuelling Stations across the UK available to all Heavy Duty Vehicles and we are delighted to be partnering with LBA to provide one of the first of these in our home county of Yorkshire.”
