TULIPS: Fuel cell power transforming airport operations

At Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, the shift toward zero-emission ground operations is already underway. Through the EU-funded TULIPS program, the airport is testing practical, scalable solutions that cut emissions directly at source – from aircraft handling to vehicle movements. A key step is the introduction of hydrogen-powered ground support equipment (GSE), demonstrating that cleaner technologies can meet the operational demands of a major airport while reducing environmental impact.

Serving as a 'lighthouse airport', Schiphol is one of the busiest airports in Europe and is a hub for a range of pioneering projects leveraging zero-emission technology and collaborating with major technology suppliers - including Ballard Power Systems. The TULIPS consortium aims to demonstrate and scale new clean technologies to make airport operations emission- and waste-free by 2030, and achieve climate-neutral aviation across Europe by 2050.

Game changer: TLD's hydrogen fuel cell tow tractor

TLD, a leading GSE supplier, has developed a hydrogen fuel cell tow tractor as part of the TULIPS project. The TPX-200-MTX-e unit, powered by Ballard’s FCmove®-HD+ fuel cell engine, utilizes an existing 17-ton vehicle platform. This hydrogen-powered unit offers a 130km range of solo driving, can perform 90 aircraft pushbacks, and can tow wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 777 for up to 25km on the airport’s apron.

Now in daily operations at Schiphol, the hydrogen-powered tow tractor is a critical component of ground support. It performs several aircraft pushbacks daily, moving aircraft such as the KLM Boeing 737 across parking areas, taxiways, hangars, and gates.

The fuel cell tow tractor offers key benefits over battery-electric rigs, including faster refuelling times and greater range and availability, ensuring the vehicle is ready on demand without long charging downtime. 

Ballard's FCmove^®-HD+ fuel cell: The heart of innovation

Central to this transformative initiative is the FCmove^®-HD+ module. Ballard's advanced fuel cell engine offers a compact, durable, and robust solution for zero-emission heavy-duty mobility. The FCmove^®-HD+ provides 100kW of electric power, ensuring high performance and reliability even in extreme conditions.

Ballard's engine delivers efficiency and durability, making it a proven and viable fuel cell solution. Purpose built for zero-emission heavy-duty mobility, the application is supported by nine generations of product development and millions of kilometers in operational service. Its design supports simplified system integration and boasts a low total lifecycle cost - making it an ideal choice for sustainable GSE applications.

Future prospects: Scaling hydrogen technology across European airports

The success of the TULIPS project at Schiphol Airport has the potential to be a turning point and serve as inspiration for many European airports. Key challenges to address include the cost of ownership, hydrogen supply logistics, maintenance, and regulatory harmonization. However, with TLD's hydrogen fuel cell tow tractor, powered by Ballard, already proving its worth in live operations, the potential for scaling hydrogen technology across airports in Europe looks promising. TLD plans to continue testing hydrogen fuel cells as a viable alternative to diesel in heavy-duty tow tractors, with further trials planned at other airports across the continent.

The TULIPS project - and the TLD tow truck - are paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future in airport ground operations. As hydrogen-powered equipment becomes more prevalent, the industry can tangibly expect a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a positive impact on air quality - thanks to these innovations in daily operations.