Heathrow Airport Invests in Pioneering Emission Reduction Technology

Heathrow Airport has become the first company to purchase hydrogen generator units from h2gogo (UK), following successful trials of the innovative vehicle emissions reduction technology. As a result of installing these units, the airport’s airside vehicles will enjoy longer lifespans and produce fewer emissions, helping to meet tough targets.

The UK’s hub airport has long been focused on reducing airside vehicle emissions to meet strict internal and Government targets for cleaner air, and the airside team investigated a number of different technologies to help them achieve that. One such innovation was the award-winning HRN3 hydrogen generator unit from h2gogo. The unit can be retro-fitted on any vehicle (or static machine) with a diesel or petrol engine. The unit ensures a cleaner burn of the fuel, resulting in lower carbon and other emissions, increased power output and the potential for additional fuel and cost savings.

From the wide range of vehicles within Heathrow’s fleet, including dust carts, sweepers, service vehicles and minibuses, a Mercedes 2009 stop/start dust cart was selected for the trial. With a 24 volt HRN3 unit fitted to its diesel engine, the vehicle undertook normal duties in airside rubbish collection and loading over a six week period, during which impressive emission reduction figures were achieved.

The trial readings have proven a reduction of up to 40% in carbon dioxide, particulates, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons which exceeded the levels of emission reduction Heathrow required to achieve strict company, industry and government targets.

Spencer Thomas, Heathrow’s airside environment manager said:

“We have been impressed with the immediate achievements in
emission reduction from the trial vehicle. h2gogo has provided us with the technology and expertise to help us with one of our key objectives in reducing airport vehicle emissions. We’re also looking beyond vehicle uses to see where the h2gogo technology could also help us further reduce other ground level emission sources.”

An important additional benefit to Heathrow is that HRN3 hydrogen generators are scalable. Both 12 and 24 volt systems are available for its varying engine requirements, ensuring the units can be used to reduce emissions on medium and large scale vehicles as well as machinery and generators across the airport.