TULIPS has completed its third demo wave — delivering progress in sustainable airport operations, from modular charging and heat‑storage analysis to hydrogen technology and smarter passenger waste separation. With the programme now extended to 2026, we’re gearing up for new demos, including a hydrogen drone flight and SAF initiatives. A big thank you to all partners and contributors driving this work forward!
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What if airports could operate with a fraction of today’s environmental impact—while becoming smarter, more efficient, and easier to manage? That vision is at the heart of the Circular Airports Workshop and the Circularity Tour at Oslo Airport, held on Wednesday, 26 November. The event was part of the second TULIPS Progress event and focused on transforming barriers into breakthroughs for a more circular future in aviation.
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From 24 to 26 November, TULIPS partner Avinor hosted the second TULIPS Progress Event in Oslo. This edition focused on projects that had not yet taken centre stage during the previous event in Torino – from digital solutions for international greener travel and circularity to modular charging and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The programme combined the Progress Event with deep-dive sessions led by Work Package (WP) leads, as well as the annual General Assembly and External Advisory Board meeting. The result? A wealth of knowledge, input, and inspiration.
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On 24 November, Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTHA) reached an important milestone: Robert Simons, Deputy Mayor of Rotterdam, officially opened a liquid hydrogen refuelling station at the airport. This facility, developed within the European TULIPS project, marks valuable progress towards sustainable aviation and reducing CO₂ emissions. The new facility is primarily designed for research purposes. It enables the dispensing of liquid hydrogen for research and development aircraft and drones.
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At the IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC2025) from 13-15 May, TULIPS shared its latest insights into the potential of hydrogen-powered ground support equipment (GSE) at airports. In a dedicated session, experts from Fraunhofer IML, Royal Schiphol Group, and TLD explored both the opportunities and challenges of integrating hydrogen into airport ground operations.
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Schiphol launches a pilot involving a specially developed aircraft tow vehicle and a prototype of a Toyota pick-up truck with an electric engine powered by hydrogen. Schiphol also has its own temporary hydrogen refueling station to supply these vehicles with hydrogen. The tow truck and refueling station are part of the EU funded TULIPS programme. With this pilot, the airport is taking an important step towards emission-free ground operations by 2030.
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On Monday 8 September, TULIPS offered an exclusive first look at two groundbreaking innovations now in active use at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol: the hydrogen-electric tow truck and the hydrogen refuelling station, both located on the J-platform. This marks a major milestone for the Workpackage 4 team, who have worked tirelessly over the past years to bring these innovations to life. It’s also a significant step towards zero-emission ground handling and cleaner air on the apron.
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On 28 August the HYDRA II, an innovative hydrogen-powered drone of Royal NLR, has made its first successful flights using liquid hydrogen as a fuel carrier. This marks an important step towards developing more sustainable aviation by making hydrogen technology suitable for commercial applications. The next step for the HYDRA II will be the TULIPS demonstration at Rotterdam The Hague Airport, where HYDRA II will again take flight. The demo will then include refuelling.
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On March 6th, Schiphol and TULIPS welcomed fourteen airports, airlines, and circular economy experts for a mini-conference on ‘Circularity in Airports’. This event focused on reducing and reusing cabin waste and waste streams from the terminal. Additionally, the reuse of construction materials was discussed. We need to move away from linear waste systems at airports, which cause more emissions.
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On the 4th and 5th of March, the TULIPS project at Schiphol had the pleasure of hosting CINEA for the annual project review. This visit was an excellent opportunity to showcase our progress, share valuable insights, and discuss future steps in our collaborative efforts towards zero waste and zero emission airports.
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February was a bustling month for Torino Airport, highlighting both Torino’s and TULIPS’ technical advancements. But more important was that the TULIPS initiative gained significant recognition at local and national policy levels through various events and conferences. We are espcially proud that our hydrogen GPU (hGPU) has officially been featured in the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC)’s national guidelines for hydrogen in airport logistics.
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At Schiphol Airport, a new materials marketplace is transforming construction waste into valuable resources, promoting a circular economy and reducing CO2 emissions. Discover how EME, Heijmans and Schiphol are leading this innovative initiative.
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In 2024, TULIPS achieved significant milestones. We strengthened industry connections, leveraged feedback from our first project review, and showcased our progress at 18 major events. Our Hydrogen GPU gained substantial interest, and we organized key events in Torino, advancing our clean energy transition efforts. Our highlights in one picture.
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The five “EU Green Deal” projects for airports – STARGATE, OLGA and TULIPS – and ports – PIONEERS and MAGPIE – joined forces at the Seas to Skies Conference to exchange on results, innovations and challenges ahead. The crosslinks between initiatives underscore the potential for enhanced synergy, laying a promising foundation to scale solutions.
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We had an incredible three days of meetings, sharing results, and learning from each other at Torino Airport and Politecnico di Torino. From 9 to 10 October, this was the venue for the TULIPS General Assembly, the TULIPS Progress Event on Accelerating Airports in the Clean Energy Transition and the 2nd Hydrogen Airports Conference.
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TULIPS partners Dynell and ZEPP Solutions joined forces to showcase the world’s first operational H2-GPU at the GSE Expo 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. An H2-GPU can provide energy for widebody aircraft and has other advantages compared to eGPUs. It can therefore be a viable alternative to fully comply with EU regulations by 2030.
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Charging an electric aircraft without physical supervision raises all kinds of questions. Technology can help to do it safely and efficiently. Rotterdam The Hague Airport and NLR demonstrated their smart solution for unattended charging during a special Demo Day op 17 September
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We are pleased to announce that TLD, a leading Ground Support Equipment supplier, is joining the TULIPS Consortium. In collaboration with Ballard, TLD works on developing a hydrogen-powered tow tractor. This project aims to reduce emissions on airside.
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Schiphol is conducting tests with the first ever hydrogen GPU at the airport. The H2-GPU is a hydrogen-powered Ground Power Unit (GPU) that supplies stationary aircraft at the gate with electricity, which is used for lighting and power in the cockpit. Schiphol is the first airport in the world to have a working H2-GPU and to use it in its operations.
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Safely charge an electric aircraft without physical supervision? It’s possible according to TULIPS. During our special Demo Day at Rotterdam The Hague Airport we will share the first results of our solution. So make a note of September 17 in your calendar!
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On June 25, we hosted a diverse group of sister airports and partners at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The occasion was a demonstration and explanation of two groundbreaking innovations that TULIPS has been developing since the programme’s inception: the Iron Flow Battery and the Hydrogen ground power unit (H2-GPU). The Iron Flow Battery is already operational, while the H2-GPU is scheduled for upcoming tests.
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In a world exclusive, Schiphol is taking a major step toward energy storage and the further electrification of ground equipment with the arrival of an Iron Flow Battery at the airport. The large battery, recently installed on the A/B apron, offers a reliable power supply for the charging of electrical equipment and thus relieves pressure on the grid. The test with the innovative battery is part of the TULIPS programme.
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Starting in June TULIPS will be testing a hydrogen Ground Power Unit in airside operations. Switching to an H2-GPU could drastically cut emissions. But there are more reasons why an H2-GPU is an interesting development for airports. Let’s dive into this innovation.
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Amsterdam Airport Schiphol developed the Baseline Circular Airports Method (BCAM) to assess and improve waste management practices. BCAM systematically analyses resource streams, relevant stakeholders, treatment processes and environmental impact. Read how BCAM can help your airport becoming circular.
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Airports find themselves in the midst of a vital and complex shift; the clean energy transition. TULIPS is testing and validating several concepts and technologies. At the TULIPS Progress event on 10 October we will share our preliminary results. Join us onsite or online!
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Rotterdam The Hague Airport is at the forefront of hydrogen-powered aviation. One of its projects is the TULIPS demonstration, featuring a hydrogen-powered drone. But first, a permit is needed for a liquid hydrogen storage facility.
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We need to get rid of the linear waste systems at airports, which cause more emissions. But how? To this end, TULIPS partners presented an innovative Baseline Circular Airports Method (BCAM) at the WCEF in April 2024. This method is empowering airports to minimise waste and foster environmental stewardship. Join us!
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Together with ACI and To70, TULIPS organises the 2nd Hydrogen Airports Event at Torino Airport on 11 October 2024. Topics: a common vision on hydrogen flight and airports, guidelines for incorporating hydrogen in the aerodrome infrastructure and predicting hydrogen demand.
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After a long run-up we are almost ready to start testing our innovative Iron Flow Battery. We plan to test it by charging our e-GPU’s at the AB platform. Schiphol’s Innovation manager Oscar Maan gives an update.
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Traditionally when the tulips bloom in April, the TULIPS partners come to Schiphol. During deep dive sessions we shared updates on the use of (micro) smart grids, the hydrogen GPU, tagging construction materials to reuse them, SAF infrastructure and much more. It’s great to see how the plans for the demonstrations are now really being implemented.
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Join us at this year’s World Circular Economy Forum. We’re privileged to host a Studio on Zero Waste Airports. We will give an update on the methodology we are currently testing at Schiphol, Oslo and Larnaca and will discuss practical tools for airports
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TULIPS enjoyed a busy and eventful with meetings, demonstrations and presentations. Thank you for your ongoing interest in TULIPS and your support. Check out our highlights!
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Bos Logistics started testing their first electric truck at Schiphol, investigating how it performs compared to trucks with other fuels when it comes to environmental, social and energy impact. Our aim: decarbonising the first and last mile.
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In order to reduce the amount of ultrafine particles at airports the TULIPS team conducted a test with an innovative water screen. Can we remove ultrafine particles from the air with the help of water droplets? Joint us for a test day!
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Airports are often the entry and exit points of the EU. What then, could their contribution be to the green transport corridors in Europe? During the eMago kick -off conference, TULIPS and other H2020 project discussed this and possible cross-fertilisation.
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Schiphol will conduct two pilots to reduce ultrafine particles on the apron; an air filtration installation to filter the air indoors and an innovative waterscreen that uses mist to remove ultrafine particles from the air. This pilot is conducted by TULIPS.
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Our TULIPS team had three fruitful days with meetings and workshops at fellow airport Larnaca (Hermes Airports) to share progress and exchange lessons learned.
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The TULIPS’ Workpackage 7 team started its latest field experiment. On a piece of agricultural land next to the Polderbaan biochar has been incorporated into the land. Can we increase CO2 storage into the ground for a longer period of time this way?
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At Schiphol, a research lab has been opened at two aircraft stands on Pier D. The lab is full of equipment that can measure ultrafine particles and will be used to test measures and experiment with innovative ideas. The data and lessons learned of the research lab will be available for TULIPS as well.
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A new charging infrastructure for electric aircraft was put into operation at RTHA. It will supply the Pipistrel with electricity for research and training flights. A TULIPS demo is planned for 2024.
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To give some insights into the solutions we are working on, we joined EU Green Deal Projects OLGA and STARGATE at the Paris Air Show for a side event, discussing the challenges of e.g. SAF and hydrogen on the our way to becoming zero emisson airports.
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TULIPS recently welcomed DJMiddelkoop as new TULIPS partner. This logistics company will test heavy e-trucks in their airfreight operation.
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To reduce waste, first we need knowledge about waste. So we planned an adventurous waste safari in the underbelly of our airports to look for our ‘big five’. That is: the most the most important insights.
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Recently Bos Logistics joined the TULIPS consortium. The company’s ambition is to have a leading role in reducing the CO2-footprint in first and final mile distribution. Bos Logistics is participating in work package 1; increase electric freight transport.
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Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) will play an important role in making aviation more sustainable. Some of the many questions we received about SAF during our launch event we’re answering here.
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In the spring of 2023 we organised a number of deep dive sessions with the TULIPS workpackages. How far are the plans? What issues do we see? And of course it’s always great to speak to one another in person.
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TULIPS and its H2020 green airport sister projects OLGA, Stargate and ALIGHT organised a workshop at the PTE 2023. We all have our own unique projects and demonstrations aimed at how to enable greener flights.
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Schiphol will be testing an iron flow battery for charging electric handling equipment at remote locations. It reduces the airport’s carbon footprint and air pollution. A TULIPS test is also planned.
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EU Green Deal projects focusing on decarbonising ports or airports got together in Brussels. They concluded that there is great potential in closer cooperation. How can we learn from each other?
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The large green areas of airports could potentially be used to capture CO2 using biochar. Therefore TULIPS is investigating biochar sequestration at Torino Airport SAGAT. It may help in decarbonisation of airports.
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How can airports incentivise use and production of SAF? That’s what we discussed during the TULIPS meeting at Avinor Oslo Airport on 8 December 2022.
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Have a look at our TULIPS Launch event cartoon. A wrap up as colourful as the day! Did you miss out on our event? Then you can still enjoy our event highlights or recording of the livestream.
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With great interest we presented our plans during our TULIPS Launch event. With these demonstrator projects we want to drastically reduce emissions at airports before 2030 and decarbonise aviation.
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In October you are welcome to join us for the TULIPS launch event. Help us tackle the challenges to make airports more sustainable.
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In October you are welcome to join us for the TULIPS launch event. Help us tackle the challenges to make airports more sustainable.
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The Italian Ministry and TULIPS partner PoliTO have signed a three year agreement on analysing and promoting the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF)
Read more In October you are welcome to join us for the TULIPS launch event. Help us tackle the challenges to make airports more sustainable.
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The TULIPS workpackage leads and -liaisons met for a stimulating meeting to discuss plans and challenges. For the first time together at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
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TULIPS was present at the Refuel Europe conference in Brussels to talk about developing a large scale supply chain for Sustainable Aviation Fuels.
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TULIPS took part in de Passenger Terminal Expo in Paris to discuss synergies with its sister projects Olga and Stargate. We join forces to realise the European Green Deal.
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The TULIPS green airports aims to speed up the rollout of sustainable technologies in aviation and to significantly contribute towards the zero emissions and zero waste airports by 2030 and climate-neutral aviation by 2050
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