Leeds Bradford Airport establishes new partnership for hydrogen power production

Credit: Leeds Bradford Airport

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has announced its hope to become the first UK regional airport that is able to produce its own hydrogen after partnering with the industry leader, ITM Power.

The proposals for a new sustainable energy hub will use hydrogen and rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities to power the airport’s fleet of vehicles, as well as allowing LBA to fuel the next generation of hydrogen and EV-powered ground handling vehicles.

The initiative is incorporated within LBA’s current application for a replacement terminal and, if approved, would mean work could start on the energy hub as early as 2022.

Charles Johnson, Head of Development at Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “This project is a clear indicator of how serious LBA is about its future sustainability commitments and is the first step in realising our ambitions to become a carbon net zero airport for ground-based operations. It represents a significant investment in the sustainable future of the airport, preparing us for the new wave of hydrogen and EV powered specialist vehicles on the horizon.”

“Passengers will increasingly demand efficient and readily available charging as vehicle technologies continue to develop and become commonplace, and we want to be at the forefront of this new way of thinking and operating. This initiative is the first of many that form part of our replacement terminal plans, which will have a direct impact on businesses and the economy in Yorkshire. We believe that LBA has a big role to play in the long-term future of the region, and we have the perfect opportunity to lead on creating meaningful changes to infrastructure. We look forward to bringing our plans with Yorkshire firm ITM Power to fruition,” he added.

LBA’s plans for a replacement terminal, submitted to Leeds City Council in May 2020, propose the construction of a modern, three floor, 34,000m² building on an alternative site within the airport’s boundary. If approved, the new state-of-the-art terminal building, designed by leading architects, would deliver a passenger experience beyond what is achievable in the existing terminal, which was built in 1965 and has a legacy of several piecemeal extensions over the course of its 55-year history.

If approved, the development will protect and create new, high-skilled jobs, supporting 12,650 permanent positions, and increase the airport’s contribution to the region’s economy from £377 million (2019) to £869 million.