This project is a collaboration between ULEMCo Ltd (lead), RAF Leeming (RAFL), Teesside International Airport (TIAL) and Newcastle University (NU). It will explore the feasibility of the use of hydrogen to decarbonise a range of operations within air transport particularly the demonstration of the use of zero-emission hydrogen engines in specialist utility vehicles used within ground support operations for the airports. This will support the strategic plans of both locations to experiment with innovative low carbon technologies, particularly Project Vital, RAF Leeming's plan for a hydrogen innovation hub at the base and also inform TIALs objectives for net zero status.

The project will provide detailed information on the current duty cycles of a range of air-support vehicles used at the two sites and other similar locations across the UK. This will enable modelling and assessment of the energy use for the applications created by the University, as well as providing a detailed definition of the performance requirements of the vehicles; dyno testing and calibration of the world's first zero-emission converted truck engine (based on applying the learning from ULEMCo's previously Innovate supported project, MLE that proved the concept of 100% hydrogen combustion with zero-emissions); engineering design/integration and demonstration of a zero-emission hybrid Medium Aircraft Tractor (MAT) and the development of the business cases for each location's potential future investment in scaled hydrogen hubs and refuelling facilities at their sites. The project will also deliver the essential detailed safety assessments for the demonstration phase, which equally inform the UK's overall approach to regulations for hydrogen in airport and military use, as well as the University's independent assessment of the engine's emission testing, including building capability for local PEMS testing, transfer of learning from ULEMCo for the needs of hydrogen refuelling to the two public sector organisations facilities, and dissemination of the learning for wider UK operations at these types of multifunctional air-transport operations.

Outcomes

1\. Demonstrating hydrogen vehicle conversions

2\. Assessing zero-emission hydrogen combustion engine solutions for RAFL/TIAL ground transport

3\. Integration into existing operations - unforeseen challenges, barriers, solutions and future opportunities

4\. Testing use case for Tees Valley Transport Hub by RAFL/TIAL

5\. Feasibility study into the opportunities for RAFL & TIAL to be hydrogen refuelling hubs for both military and public vehicle's (and the longer-term implications for aviation).

6\. Growing business collaboration and demand by seeding activity between RAFL/ ULEMCo Ltd and NU.