Workshop on the Introduction of Hydrogen at Airports
October 2, 2024
Workshop on the Introduction of Hydrogen at Airports
Collaboration for Climate-Compatible Aviation: The DLR Institute of Air Transport and Hamburg Airport held a workshop outlining a roadmap for the introduction of hydrogen at airports.
On 26 September 2024, a workshop on introducing hydrogen as a sustainable energy carrier at airports took place at the DLR site in Cologne. Organised by the Institute of Air Transport at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in collaboration with Hamburg Airport, five German airports attended the event to explore the potential and challenges of integrating hydrogen into aviation.
Presentation of the roadmap for introducing hydrogen at airports
Representatives from five airports across Germany participated
Networking and jointly advancing hydrogen usage
Successful Exchange on the Viability of Hydrogen at Airports
On 26 September 2024, representatives from five German airports gathered at the DLR site in Cologne to discuss the introduction of hydrogen technologies in air transport. The aim was to provide airports with practical insights into a recently developed roadmap for hydrogen usage and to present concrete approaches to its implementation.
The Roadmap as a Guide for Climate-Compatible Aviation
As part of the "VMo4Orte" project, DLR and Hamburg Airport developed a roadmap that demonstrates how airports can introduce hydrogen as an energy carrier. The roadmap not only highlights the technical requirements but also the necessary changes in processes and infrastructures. Hamburg Airport served as a model, with its experiences and analyses presented during the workshop. Key topics included estimating hydrogen demand at airports, hydrogen supply structures, and the necessary early adjustments to airport infrastructure.
Knowledge Exchange on the Path to Sustainable Airports
Airports, as infrastructure operators, play a crucial role in the potential introduction of hydrogen technology to decarbonise aviation and should be involved in the process early due to long planning timelines.
The workshop not only discussed theoretical approaches but also addressed specific questions raised by the airports. In particular, reports from other airports provided valuable insights into the practical challenges and solutions for introducing hydrogen as an energy carrier. This practical approach aims to support participants in developing targeted solutions for their respective locations.
“The workshop demonstrated that the developed roadmap provides a valuable guide, which has been received with interest and is being further pursued by the industry. The introduction of hydrogen technologies at airports offers a forward-looking opportunity to make aviation more climate-compatible,” said Janina Scheelhaase, Acting Head of the Department Air Transport Economics at the DLR Institute of Air Transport.
