Glasgow Airport, in collaboration with net zero consulting co-developer Ikigai, is spearheading a consortium to test the viability of a hydrogen production, storage, and distribution hub at the Scottish travel hub. The project has received funding from the Scottish government as part of its £7 million Hydrogen Innovation Scheme, aimed at promoting the advancement of renewable hydrogen technologies.
Known as the Glasgow Airport Hydrogen Innovation Hub, this initiative seeks to identify the most efficient and commercially viable green hydrogen production, storage, and refueling solutions. Furthermore, it aims to evaluate the operational feasibility of establishing a hydrogen hub within the airport premises. The international consortium consists of prominent organizations such as H2GO Power, ZeroAvia, Ricardo, Altrad Babcock, OG Clean Fuels (a green fuels retailer), the University of Glasgow, Scottish Water Horizons, and two airlines, easyJet and Loganair.
To conduct the feasibility study, the consortium will employ an AI software solution developed by H2GO Power. This software will enable a comprehensive analysis of the relative efficiency of electrolyzer and storage solutions. Moreover, it will facilitate the integration of optimal modular electrolyzer technology with an existing solar microgrid, previously implemented at Glasgow Airport by Ikigai. The study will also investigate the viability of solid-state storage as a means to overcome existing challenges.
Additionally, the project will design an optimal infrastructure and process for delivering hydrogen from solid-state storage to a mobile storage and dispensing unit, intended for hydrogen-powered aircraft and ground-handling equipment.
The completion of the project is anticipated by early 2024, with the long-term objective of replicating the concept in other regional terminals. This will contribute to the establishment of a network of hydrogen-ready sites across the UK, encompassing airports in Aberdeen and Southampton in addition to Glasgow, which collectively form AGS Airports.
Commenting on the initiative, Jon Matthews, the Group Head of Capital Investment at AGS Airports, expressed his enthusiasm, stating that hydrogen-powered aircraft have the potential to revolutionize aviation, particularly for regional and short-haul routes. With significant progress being made by airline manufacturers in the field of zero-emission flight, it becomes crucial for airport operators to proactively plan for the storage, generation, and delivery of hydrogen. The funding received will facilitate collaboration among diverse companies, pooling their expertise to address the unique challenges associated with storing hydrogen safely and at scale within an airport environment.
