Comparing Hydrogen-Powered vs Electric Ground Support Equipment for Aviation MRO Operations

The Shift Toward Sustainable Ground Support Equipment

As the aviation industry accelerates its sustainability initiatives, Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) facilities face critical decisions about transitioning to greener ground support equipment. The choice between hydrogen-powered and electric GSE represents a fundamental shift in how airports manage their ground operations while reducing environmental impact.

Both technologies offer compelling advantages for MRO operations, but they come with distinct infrastructure requirements, operational characteristics, and cost considerations that demand careful evaluation.

Electric GSE: The Current Frontrunner

Electric ground support equipment has emerged as the leading sustainable option for many aviation MRO operations. Powered primarily by advanced lithium-ion batteries, electric GSE offers several key advantages:

Electric GSE requires virtually no battery maintenance compared to traditional lead-acid systems. Lithium-ion batteries eliminate the need for oil changes, filter replacements, and regular inspections, significantly reducing maintenance overhead.

Modern electric GSE charges twice as fast as conventional systems and delivers consistent power throughout the entire discharge cycle. This reliability ensures uninterrupted operations during critical aircraft turnaround times.

While the initial investment in electric GSE can be higher, the total cost of ownership often proves more favorable due to reduced maintenance requirements and lower energy costs compared to diesel or gasoline alternatives.

Hydrogen-Powered GSE: The Emerging Alternative

Hydrogen-powered ground support equipment represents the cutting edge of sustainable aviation technology, though it comes with unique challenges for MRO operations:

The global hydrogen-powered aviation ground support market reached USD 1.07 billion in 2024, reflecting growing industry interest. However, hydrogen infrastructure requires significant capital investment in refueling stations and storage facilities.

Hydrogen GSE offers rapid refueling capabilities comparable to traditional fuel systems, potentially providing operational advantages over battery charging times. This can be particularly valuable for high-utilization equipment in busy MRO environments.

Current hydrogen GSE faces challenges related to fuel availability, safety protocols, and the development of standardized refueling procedures. MRO facilities must consider these factors when evaluating hydrogen adoption.

Making the Right Choice for Your MRO Operations

The decision between hydrogen and electric GSE depends on several factors specific to your MRO facility:

Evaluate your current electrical infrastructure and determine if upgrades are needed to support electric GSE charging. For hydrogen, assess the feasibility of installing refueling infrastructure and the availability of hydrogen supply chains in your region.

Consider your operational patterns and equipment utilization rates. High-usage scenarios might favor hydrogen's rapid refueling, while moderate usage patterns may align better with electric charging schedules.

Calculate the total cost of ownership for both options, including equipment costs, infrastructure investments, maintenance expenses, and energy costs over the expected equipment lifespan.

Many MRO facilities are adopting a hybrid approach, implementing electric GSE for immediate sustainability gains while monitoring hydrogen technology development for future integration.

As the aviation industry continues its sustainability journey, the choice between hydrogen and electric GSE will become increasingly important for MRO operations seeking to reduce emissions while maintaining operational efficiency.