New BSR HyAirport study focuses on hydrogen demand for airport equipment

The BSR HyAirport partnership has published a new study focusing on a key prerequisite for the successful introduction of hydrogen at airports: understanding future hydrogen demand from airport equipment and ground operations. The study provides a practical methodology that enables airports to estimate hydrogen demand from vehicles, ground support equipment (GSE), generators and other operational assets

Developed within Work Package 1.2 “Supply Chain”, the report complements the project’s aircraft demand analysis by addressing all non-aircraft hydrogen applications at airports. Together, these assessments provide a more complete picture of future hydrogen requirements and support the development of reliable hydrogen supply chains across the Baltic Sea Region.

Key insights from the study

Airport equipment is an important early use case for hydrogen

The study identifies airport equipment as one of the most immediate and operationally feasible applications for hydrogen deployment. Ground support equipment and operational vehicles can serve as early adopters of hydrogen technologies, allowing airports to gain practical experience long before hydrogen-powered aircraft enter widespread operation.

Hydrogen-powered airport equipment can help airports develop operational know-how, establish refuelling processes and reduce risks associated with future infrastructure investments.

A transferable methodology supports airport planning

A central outcome of the study is the development of a transparent and scalable methodology that allows airports of different sizes to estimate future hydrogen demand. The approach uses existing operational data, such as vehicle fuel consumption and equipment usage patterns, to generate initial hydrogen demand estimates.

The methodology is designed as a practical planning tool rather than a detailed feasibility assessment and can be adapted to different airport profiles and deployment scenarios.

Hydrogen demand depends on equipment types and technology choices

The report recommends categorising airport equipment into groups such as:

• Baggage tractors
• Pushback vehicles
• Ground power units
• Service vehicles
• Backup generators
• Other mobile and stationary equipment

Hydrogen demand is then estimated by converting current energy use into equivalent hydrogen consumption while accounting for differences in technology efficiency.

The analysis highlights that hydrogen fuel cell systems offer significantly higher efficiency than conventional combustion engines. As a rule of thumb, one kilogram of hydrogen used in a fuel-cell-powered vehicle may replace approximately three to four litres of diesel fuel.

Scenario planning is essential

The study encourages airports to analyse multiple deployment scenarios, ranging from partial fleet conversion to full conversion of eligible airport equipment. This approach allows airport operators to identify both near-term hydrogen requirements and long-term infrastructure needs.

The methodology also recommends using sensitivity analyses to account for uncertainties in vehicle utilisation and future operational patterns.

Hydrogen demand assessments support supply chain development

A major objective of the study is to provide reliable input for wider hydrogen supply chain planning. Once hydrogen demand is estimated, airports can use the results to assess requirements for:

• Hydrogen production
• Storage capacity
• Renewable electricity generation
• Electrolyser sizing
• Hydrogen transport and delivery solutions

The report also introduces a simulation tool that links hydrogen demand with renewable energy production and storage requirements, helping airports evaluate pathways towards self-sufficient hydrogen supply systems.

Airport equipment creates a bridge towards hydrogen aviation

The study concludes that airport equipment can play a strategic role in preparing airports for future hydrogen aviation. By creating an initial hydrogen demand base, airports can gradually develop infrastructure, operational expertise and stakeholder cooperation before larger-scale aviation applications emerge.

Full report on Hydrogen demand for airport equipment:

Hydrogen demand for Airport equipment

You can download the tool here:

Supply chain tools

Programme Manual Online

Choose