"Airport applications are particularly suitable as pilot projects for developing a local hydrogen infrastructure", explains Dr. Joachim Wolf, Executive Director of Hydrogen Solutions at Linde. "The clear cut operating range and the central refuelling predestine this application for the use of hydrogen as emission-free fuel."

Airport manager Claus-Dieter Wehr said: "The experts agree that hydrogen is an energy source with great potential for the future. This is why, together with our partners, we initiated the hydrogen research project at Hamburg airport. We are proud to be setting a good example in exploring alternative energies."

Linde's aim is to be able to meet the automotive hydrogen demand with the help of sustainable production methods within the foreseeable future. As a first step in this direction, climate neutrality of the hydrogen used at Hamburg airport is assured by the acquisition of CO2 certificates. The compensation of emissions through a climate-protection project is certified by the German TÜV SÜD technical service group and confirmed through the award of a corresponding inspection seal (TÜV SÜD octagon).

All the components of the filling station are built into a container only three metres long; the hydrogen is delivered by Linde in bundles of gas cylinders. Since the fuel-cell-driven tractors operate at an operating pressure of 350 bar and the people-carrier operates at 200 bar, two separate tapping systems are provided. The entire installation is controlled by a programmable logic control which guarantees both automated filling and the highest possible standard of safety. Thanks to the use of a touchscreen monitor, operation is very user-friendly. The filling process takes seven minutes at most.

The Linde Group is a world-leading industrial gases, medical gases and engineering company with more than 51,000 employees working in around 70 countries worldwide. Following the acquisition of The BOC Group plc, the company has gases and engineering sales of around 12 billion euro per annum. The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards earnings-based growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services.

For more information, please see The Linde Group online at http://www.linde.com.