Exeter Airport was the venue for a UK first today – the turnround of a commercial aircraft using a full range of ground equipment using ‘green’ hydrogen from renewable energy sources. The Medium Aircraft Tow Tug (MATT), developed by ULEMCo, was among the vehicles used, along with a hydrogen-powered baggage tug and ground power unit. This pioneering demonstration shows how hydrogen can support the decarbonisation of airport ground operations, and is an important step towards achieving the first ‘zero-carbon turn’ of aircraft.
The novel hybrid drive train technology used in the MATT uses integrated motors connected to a hydrogen engine to recharge a small battery from just 5 kg of on-board hydrogen storage. The engine is optimised for lean burn, giving ultra-low NOx, high efficiency and zero-carbon.
Partnering with ULEMCo and Exeter Airport were TUI, Cranfield University, MULAG and Boeing, supported by the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Hydrogen Challenge programme.
Commenting on the programme, Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “Fresh thinking and new regulatory approaches will give confidence to investors, researchers and consumers alike. We want to encourage businesses to choose the UK as the best destination to develop their new ideas and bring great technologies to market.
“Our funding for these 15 pioneering projects will give UK regulators and local authorities the support they need to accelerate innovation and turn it into success in every corner of the country.”
At the demonstration, Amanda Lyne, Managing Director of ULEMCo, said: “The number of hydrogen technologies on show here demonstrates the versatility of this clean fuel in a range of applications. In addition to providing the academic data requested by government, this project shows practical, cost-effective solutions to decarbonisation. As real-world examples of hydrogen fuel usage increase, the case for investment in UK wide refuelling infrastructure grows ever stronger.”
