Air New Zealand trials hydrogen-powered ground vehicles

Air New Zealand and Wellington Airport are trialling the use of hydrogen power in an aviation setting. The airline’s electric tugs and service vehicles at Wellington will be charged using hydrogen fuel cells over the next few weeks, as part of a trial program involving Air New Zealand, Wellington Airport, Toyota New Zealand, and Hiringa Energy. “Green hydrogen is starting to be used around the world as a low-emission fuel for buses, trucks, trains, and boats. Aircraft are the logical next step and successful test flights are already underway overseas,” said Air New Zealand senior sustainability manager Jacob Snelgrove. “The biggest challenge here in New Zealand is setting up the supply, transport, and infrastructure to support fuelling the aircraft. This trial is an important first step to enable the development of that system.” The trial will be conducted using a fuel cell supplied by Toyota, with energy supply coordinated by clean energy company Hiringa Energy. According to Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke, this is the first time hydrogen has been used at a NZ airport, and is “an important step on the long-term journey to decarbonise aviation”. “The trial will help us assess the viability of hydrogen for charging and give us a good insight into the operational challenges and opportunities,” he said.<br/>