Air New Zealand wants to become a pioneer in clean, hydrogen-powered aircraft. The use of hydrogen as a green fuel is currently being tested at Wellington Airport with three other partners - to power electric airport vehicles.

Four major New Zealand companies are working together to test hydrogen in New Zealand's premiere aviation environment. Namely, Air New Zealand, Wellington Airport, Toyota New Zealand and Hiringa Energy. A few days ago, representatives of the companies announced details of a project to trial the use of hydrogen to charge Air New Zealand's electric towing and service vehicles at Wellington Airport.

According to the airline's senior sustainability manager, Jacob Snelgrove, Air New Zealand wants to be a domestic pioneer in the commercial deployment of green hydrogen-powered aircraft. The fuel is beginning to be used globally in public transport, including shipping, he added.

„Aircraft are the next logical step and successful flight tests are already underway overseas. The biggest challenge here in New Zealand is setting up the supply, transport and infrastructure to support aircraft refuelling. This trial is an important first step that will allow the system to be developed.“

The test is also the first ever use of hydrogen at a New Zealand airport. The partners hope to learn more about charging options and gain insights into potential operational issues through the trials.

For the trial, Toyota New Zealand has provided a fuel cell that uses hydrogen to generate electricity, with supply coordinated by New Zealand clean energy company Hiringa Energy.

The green hydrogen-based trial at Wellington Airport will run until 15 March.

The use of green hydrogen in New Zealand has even greater potential given that the country has been using clean hydropower extensively for more than a century.

It is New Zealand's main renewable energy source, providing on average around 57% of the nation's energy needs each year. Hydropower is mainly produced on the South Island and consumed mainly on the North Island.

Source - https://www.airnewzealandnewsroom.com/
photo - source - wikipedia.org