Fuel generators at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol are being replaced by 30 new electric Ground Power Units (e-GPUs).
Aircraft parked at various piers at Schiphol will soon get their power from emission-free equipment thanks to the arrival of these new e-GPUs, which are a kind of electric power bank for planes. The Dutch hub is also introducing additional electric systems to provide fresh air on board (PCAs). The electric PCAs that are placed at piers E, F and G ensure that planes parked at the gate receive fresh air on board.
At the moment, 40% of the equipment used by ground handlers at Schiphol is electric. The arrival of more electrically powered equipment is an important step towards Schiphol's ambition to have an emission-free ground operation by 2030. Furthermore, replacing fuel power units and keeping auxiliary engines switched off helps the airport meet the Netherlands Labour Inspectorate's requirements to improve air quality.
The electric PCAs will be placed at piers E, F and G
“With the arrival of these e-GPUs and additional electric PCAs, the aircraft's auxiliary engine can remain switched off more often. That's good for a variety of reasons. Thanks to these investments, CO2 emissions will decrease and the air quality on the apron, and thus the working conditions for staff, will improve. We are pleased that, together with KLM, dnata and Aviapartner, we have been able to create a pool where all employees on the apron can use available equipment,” said Denise Pronk, responsible for sustainability at Royal Schiphol Group.
Image: Royal Schiphol Group
