In the first period (January 2022 - June 2023) all work packages to gain the specific targets and demonstrations have been started successfully. Also, the required tasks to organise assessments and facilitate TULIPS on performance monitoring, deployment and implementation, project management and communication & dissemination have started and provide useful guidance and support to the demonstrator work packages. In this period, nine public reports have been published on various topics, eg the feasibility of hydrogen and e-fuels, airport circularity data and management tooling, and overarching project management plans and communication strategies.
During the second reporting period RP2 (July 2023 – December 2024), TULIPS made significant strides to validate the usability of its 17 demonstrations and to qualitatively estimate the impact of those technologies across the identified impact areas.
The project’s demonstrations are progressing well, with several already completed and others entering final testing phases. The most important milestones during this period are as follows:
- Hydrogen Ground Support Equipment (GSE): Schiphol Airport successfully demonstrated a hydrogen-powered ground power unit (hGPU), with further trials planned at Torino, Rotterdam, and Larnaca airports.
- Smart Energy Infrastructure: A large-scale iron flow battery was installed to power electric ground equipment, while a heat storage system is being tested at Schiphol’s fire station.
- Electric Aircraft Charging: The world’s first unattended electric aircraft charging demo was completed in Rotterdam, showcasing safe, automated charging without need for human intervention.
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Preparations are in progress for the delivery of 30,000 tonnes of SAF to Schiphol in 2025.
- Circular Economy in Action: Airports in Amsterdam, Oslo, and Larnaca are piloting waste reduction and material reuse strategies, such as 'waste safari' initiatives to increase passenger awareness and test nudging strategies. Digital product passports and smart tracking tools are being utilised to extend the life of construction materials and reduce landfill waste.
- Cleaner Air and Land: Biochar trials are underway to enhance carbon sequestration on airport-controlled land. While a water-based system to reduce ultrafine particles (UFPs) proved marginally effective, continuous air quality monitoring is being performed to develop future mitigation strategies.
- Green Mobility: Digital tools are being developed to encourage passengers and freight operators to shift to cleaner transport modes. Early simulations indicate potential for optimising modalities and reducing road traffic emissions.
