Edmonton International Airport Leads Hydrogen Adoption with Runway Snow Sweeper Conversion
(IN SHORT) Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is partnering with Diesel Tech Industries (DTI) to integrate hydrogen and diesel technology into its runway snow sweepers. This initiative, supported by Alberta Innovates, will reduce emissions from YEG’s operations, foster hydrogen adoption in transportation, and contribute to the global shift toward more sustainable aviation practices. The conversion of the airport’s snow sweepers will begin in 2025, showcasing the practical benefits of hydrogen technology in challenging, high-demand environments.
(PRESS RELEASE) EDMONTON, AB, 2025-Apr-25 — /Travel PR News/ — Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is leading the charge in hydrogen adoption by collaborating with Diesel Tech Industries (DTI) to integrate the Guardian Hydrogen Diesel System into two of the airport’s heavy-duty runway snow sweepers. This groundbreaking project will make YEG the first airport in Canada to explore the use of hydrogen and diesel technology in its snow removal fleet, marking a significant step in the aviation industry’s journey towards sustainability.
Supported by funding from Alberta Innovates, the initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions from YEG’s ground operations, accelerate hydrogen adoption in transportation, and contribute to the aviation sector’s global sustainability efforts. The airport will retrofit its existing Tier 3 diesel-powered runway snow sweepers with the Guardian Hydrogen Diesel System, which uses hydrogen as a supplementary fuel while maintaining diesel as the primary energy source. This retrofit technology has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions without requiring major infrastructure overhauls.
The project is particularly challenging due to the high-load operational cycles and the unique dual-engine configurations required for snow removal in harsh winter conditions. The integration of hydrogen into these vehicles will help lower diesel consumption, reduce emissions, and enhance fleet management with advanced data tracking for regulatory compliance.
Peter Agnew, Vice President of Infrastructure, Facilities & Airside Operations at YEG, commented, “This project is a bold step toward advancing hydrogen adoption, particularly within the aviation sector. Reducing emissions from ground fleets, especially snow sweepers operating in harsh climates, is a critical milestone for sustainability. The hydrogen/diesel dual-fuel system offers a promising pathway to decarbonization, and we are thrilled to demonstrate its practical benefits at YEG.”
Rebecca Goldsack, COO of Diesel Tech Industries, emphasized the global significance of the project, saying, “Edmonton International Airport, in collaboration with DTI, is setting a precedent for hydrogen adoption in international travel and high-demand environments. This initiative showcases hydrogen’s potential to transform off-road operations worldwide and proves that sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand.”
Mike Mahon, CEO of Alberta Innovates, highlighted the importance of the project for the province: “This is an exciting example of hydrogen adoption in Alberta that accelerates the transition from research to practical, market-ready solutions. Alberta is a hub for innovation, and this project demonstrates how the province’s economy, people, and clean energy workforce can benefit from such partnerships.”
The conversion of the runway snow sweepers will begin in spring 2025, with completion expected by the spring of 2026. This collaboration aims to inspire further adoption of hydrogen technology across commercial transportation and energy sectors, reinforcing Alberta’s role in the global hydrogen economy.
This initiative will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from YEG’s airside operations, supporting Alberta and Canada’s decarbonization goals. It also aims to de-risk hydrogen technology adoption in the province, foster innovation, and contribute to building a skilled clean energy workforce.
Media Contact:
Jody Hrabiwchuk
Senior Communications Campaign Advisor
Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
Phone: 825-975-7336
Email: news@flyeia.com
Alexis Leonard
Marketing Generalist
Diesel Tech Industries (DTI)
Phone: (780) 455-9876
Email: Alexis@dtiguardian.com
SOURCE: Edmonton Airports
