Using direct current, batteries or hydrogen, airplanes can be powered by electricity in a more efficient, emission-free, and considerably quieter manner than ever before.
Aircraft also require electricity on the ground, while they are being serviced, loaded and refuelled. The electricity that this needs frequently comes from auxiliary turbines in the airplane or is generated from diesel at remote locations, using generators. With direct current, batteries or hydrogen, airplanes can be powered electrically in an emission-free, more efficient, and considerably quieter manner than ever before. Today in Berlin, Federal Transport Minister Dr. Volker Wissing presented funding approvals to 19 German airports in the amount of 22.1 million euros. This will enable 200 ground power units to be purchased.
Dr. Volker Wissing, Federal Minister for Digital and Transport: “We want to make German airports among the cleanest in the world. We will only succeed if we remain technologically neutral and create incentives for investment in environmental protection. With our ground power funding, we are helping German airports to save 7,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, reduce harmful emissions and thus improve air quality on the apron. Our funding is also an expression of political support for air transport. As an export nation, we rely on good air connectivity, and we want to provide optimal support to our aviation industry on the path to zero-emission flying.”
Dagmar Fehler, CEO and Spokesperson of NOW GmbH: “Airports want to be climate-friendly. This is important, because we need to hold all transport modes accountable to satisfy the EU requirements of the AFIR. The purchases under the ground power funding guideline mean that Germany not only fulfils AFIR requirements, it exceeds them. I am delighted that NOW GmbH can also contribute to climate-friendly aviation with its expertise.”
The switch to climate-friendly power supply for airplanes will not only reduce CO2 emissions, but particulate matter and nitrogen oxides as well. Airport staff and passengers alike will benefit from the improved air quality on the apron. At the presentation of the funding approvals, NOW GmbH presented a preliminary evaluation of the ground power guideline, which breaks down how many units were purchased at which airports and how many emissions will be saved as a result.
Airport and ground services providers were able to apply for BMDV procurement grants for mobile and stationary ground power systems in two funding calls so far. The charging or refuelling infrastructure required for operation is also being subsidised. A total of 24 players at 19 German airports benefitted from funding in the amount of 22.1 million euros. This enables 200 ground power generators to be purchased.
The applications were approved by the Federal Office for Administrative Services (Bundesanstalt für Verwaltungsdienstleistungen – BAV). As a scientific and technical service provider, NOW GmbH supports, collects and analyses data on the funding measure. The contact at NOW GmbH is the Climate-Friendly Aviation Team: .
Evaluation of the ground power guideline
About NOW GmbH
Since 2008, NOW GmbH has been supporting the federal government’s targets in its climate and industrial policy. The tasks of the federally-owned company include developing, monitoring and evaluating funding programmes about climate-neutral mobility and energy supply. NOW GmbH experts supervise projects in the areas of hydrogen, fuel cells, battery and renewable fuels. They reimagine mobility and fuels for cars, buses, trains, commercial vehicles, ships and airplanes, and support the establishment and further development of charging infrastructure and hydrogen refuelling stations for cars and trucks. More information on NOW can be found here.
Photo: BMDV, Sebastian Woithe