Hydrogen Fuel Cells in Airport Ground Support Equipment: Significant Reduction in Fuel Consumption and CO₂ Emissions

Hydrogen fuel cells are emerging as a promising solution to reduce reliance on carbon-based energy. Although they have been available for some time, recent regulatory changes, technological advancements, and a focus on reducing pollutant emissions have accelerated their development. Ground support vehicles, which traditionally use diesel and generate high CO₂ emissions, are being replaced by cleaner alternatives. Hybrid International has developed a hydrogen combustion system that reduces emissions without modifying the vehicles. In Brazil, a recently approved bill encourages the use of low-carbon hydrogen. An airline committed to sustainable practices is already using 180 hybrid hydrogen fuel cell vehicles at three Brazilian airports (Brasília, Congonhas, and Santos Dumont). This innovation has resulted in savings of 72,440 liters of fuel, a financial saving of R$ 423,738.30, and a reduction of 194,139 kg of CO₂.