Exeter Airport trial shows hydrogen ground power unit cuts diesel use

Exeter Airport has completed a trial of a dual-fuel hydrogen-diesel ground power unit during winter operations. The study was led by the airport alongside Cranfield University and ULEMCo, and tested the equipment over multiple days. A report from Cranfield University said the unit performed safely and reliably, delivered measurable reductions in diesel use and carbon emissions, and required minimal change for ground crews.

The findings also point to where dual-fuel hydrogen technology may work best, with the greatest benefits in equipment used continuously or for longer operating cycles.

The project, called Winter Operations HyGPU, was funded and supported by the Connected Places Catapult and overseen by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. It follows the Zero Carbon Turn trial at Exeter in April 2025, when three hydrogen-powered technologies supported the live turnaround of a TUI Boeing 737.