YEG implements new hydrogen-diesel technology

The Edmonton International Airport is making moves to reduce carbon emissions.

Starting this spring, YEG will be converting two of its heavy-duty runway snow sweepers to run on hydrogen-diesel fuel in order to cut carbon emissions at the airport. This comes as part of a new partnership with Diesel Tech Industries, which will retrofit the two snow sweepers using the Guardian Hydrogen Diesel System. 

"It's a significant step towards YEG's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050," said Marion Chivot-Legris, Director of Sustainability Strategy. "We have a main focus at the airport of reducing our emissions relating to our own operations."

The airport says the project will require addressing the unique challenges of higher-emission Tier 3 engines, including a more demanding, high-load operational cycle, and the complexity of the dual-engine configuration used for airport snow removal. Chivot-Legris says it's an important step forward.

"This move is pivotal for YEG," said Chivot-Legris. "By adopting hydrogen dual fuel technology, the airport not only reduces it's carbon footprint, but also positions itself as a leader in sustainable operations."

The conversion to the new technology will get underway over the next few weeks and take approximately one year to complete. Together with DTI, the airport aims to inspire further adoption of hydrogen technology across commercial transportation and energy sectors in Alberta. The move makes YEG the first airport in Canada to implement hydrogen and diesel technology in its runway snow sweepers.

"This project presents a bold opportunity to push the boundaries of hydrogen adoption, particularly within the aviation industry," said Peter Agnew, Vice President, Infrastructure, Facilities & Airside Operations. "Reducing emissions from airport ground fleets, especially runway snow sweepers that are designed to operate in demanding winter climates, is a crucial step toward sustainability."

Funding for the new initiative was supported by Alberta Innovates, a provincial crown corporation responsible for promoting innovation in the province.