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As the aviation industry strives toward sustainability, addressing emissions beyond the aircraft engines themselves has become increasingly important.
While Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and newer, more efficient aircraft designs are pivotal, ground operations—including aircraft refuelling—also contribute significantly to overall carbon emissions. Low-emission ground refuelling systems represent a promising solution to reduce the environmental impact of airport ground handling, helping airlines and airports shrink their carbon footprint.
This article explores how these systems work, their benefits, the technologies involved, and the growing global push to adopt greener fuelling infrastructure.
The Environmental Impact of Ground Refuelling Operations
Aircraft refuelling on the ground is an essential part of flight operations, but it is often overlooked as a source of carbon emissions. Traditional refuelling trucks and equipment typically run on diesel engines, emitting greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter.
These emissions contribute to air pollution and climate change and are particularly problematic given the high volume of fuel truck activity at busy airports.
According to studies, airport ground support equipment (GSE), including refuelling trucks, can account for a significant portion of an airport’s local emissions. As airports and airlines face increasing regulatory and social pressure to reduce their carbon footprint, low-emission solutions for ground operations have become an urgent priority.
What Are Low-Emission Ground Refuelling Systems?
Low-emission ground refuelling systems encompass a range of technologies and equipment designed to minimize or eliminate pollutant emissions during aircraft refueling operations. The term generally refers to:
Electric or Hybrid Refuelling Trucks
Vehicles powered partially or fully by electric motors drastically reduce or eliminate tailpipe emissions.Alternative Fuel Refuelling Vehicles
Trucks powered by cleaner fuels such as biofuels (HVO) or hydrogen.Energy-Efficient Fuel Delivery Systems
Innovations that reduce fuel transfer times and energy consumption, such as automated systems and improved pump designs.Integration with Renewable Energy
Using renewable electricity sources to power electric refueling equipment.
By replacing conventional diesel-powered refuelling trucks with these low-emission alternatives, airports can significantly reduce ground operation emissions, improve air quality around the airport, and contribute to broader sustainability goals.
Technologies Driving Low-Emission Refuelling Systems
Technologies driving low-emission refuelling systems encompass a variety of innovative solutions aimed at minimizing environmental impact during aircraft fueling operations.
Key advancements include electric refuelling trucks that eliminate tailpipe emissions by using battery-powered motors, hybrid vehicles combining electric and combustion engines to reduce fuel consumption, and alternative-fuel-powered trucks that use cleaner energy sources such as biofuels (HVO) or hydrogen fuel cells.
Electric Refuelling Trucks
Electric vehicles (EVs) have transformed many sectors, and aviation ground support is no exception. Electric refuelling trucks eliminate exhaust emissions by replacing diesel engines with battery-powered electric motors.
Benefits
Zero tailpipe emissions, reduced noise pollution, lower maintenance costs, and improved operational efficiency.Challenges
Battery capacity and charging infrastructure must be adequate to meet operational demands, especially at large airports with continuous refuelling activities.Examples
Major GSE manufacturers are developing electric refueling trucks with modular battery packs and fast charging systems suitable for airport environments.
Hybrid Refuelling Vehicles
Hybrid vehicles combine internal combustion engines with electric motors. In refueling trucks, hybrid systems reduce fuel consumption and emissions by enabling electric-only operation during low-speed or idle periods.
Advantages
Extended operational range compared to pure EVs, reduced emissions, and greater flexibility.Considerations
More complex systems may require additional maintenance and investment.
Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Using alternative fuels such as biofuels (HVO) or hydrogen can lower GHG emissions relative to diesel.
Biofuels (HVO) Trucks
These fuels produce fewer particulates and lower CO2 emissions. However, the cost of the raw materials (like vegetable oil) used to produce HVO affects its price.Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks
Still emerging, hydrogen trucks generate electricity via fuel cells with only water vapor as emissions, offering a promising zero-emission future.
Automated and Energy-Efficient Fuel Transfer
Innovations in fuel dispensing technology also contribute to reducing emissions indirectly by optimizing the fueling process.
Automated Fueling Systems
Use sensors and robotics to minimize fuel spillage, reduce idling times, and ensure faster, safer fueling.Improved Pump Technology
Pumps with higher efficiency and variable-speed drives lower electricity use during fuel transfer.Smart Energy Management
Integrating fueling equipment with airport energy systems to optimize power use and utilize renewable energy when available.- What Are Zero-Emission Refueling Vehicles for Aircraft?
- What are the Commercial Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles?
Global Adoption and Initiatives
Leading airports worldwide are actively adopting low-emission refuelling systems as part of their sustainability strategies.
- Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is deploying electric refueling vehicles and integrating renewable energy sources to power ground operations.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has launched programs to electrify ground support fleets, including refueling trucks, to reduce its carbon footprint.
- Heathrow Airport aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and is investing in green ground-handling technologies.
- Dubai International Airport and other Gulf-region hubs are piloting alternative-fuel vehicles in their ground fleets.
Industry collaborations, such as the Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) and the Sustainable Aviation Fuel User Group (SAFUG), promote the sharing of best practices for greener ground operations.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the clear benefits, implementing low-emission ground refuelling systems presents challenges:
- Infrastructure Needs: Airports must develop charging stations or alternative fuel refueling points to support new vehicle fleets.
- Operational Adaptation: Electric or hybrid trucks may have different refueling rates or operational limits, requiring workflow adjustments.
- Capital Investment: The initial cost of acquiring new vehicles and infrastructure can be significant.
- Technology Maturity: Some alternative fuels, like hydrogen, are still in early adoption phases with limited availability.
Strategic planning, phased implementation, and stakeholder collaboration are critical to overcoming these challenges.
The Road Ahead
The aviation industry’s journey toward sustainability requires holistic action that includes ground operations. Low-emission ground refuelling systems represent a vital component in reducing the total environmental impact of air travel. As technology matures and costs decline, electric and alternative-fuel refueling trucks are expected to become standard at airports worldwide.
Investing in these systems not only helps reduce carbon footprints but also demonstrates a commitment to innovation, regulatory compliance, and social responsibility. Airports, airlines, and ground service providers must work together to accelerate this transition, ensuring that every stage of the flight experience contributes to a greener future.
