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Salinas Airport launches $20,000 hydrogen fueling feasibility study
Summary
Airport staff has started a $20,000 study to assess demand and possible locations for hydrogen fueling for aircraft and vehicles; results expected in two to three months and any station would require FAA approvals and commercial partners.
Salinas Airport management told the Salinas Airport Commission it has kicked off a $20,000 feasibility study to assess whether the airport should host hydrogen fueling for aircraft, buses, cars and agricultural equipment.
The study, funded from the airport enterprise fund, will examine potential locations — including the former jet-A fuel farm by Moffett Street in the runway protection zone — and evaluate demand from fixed-wing aircraft and local transit providers. Airport Manager Matt (last name not specified) said staff began outreach this week to potential users and expects a study report within two to three months.
"The feasibility study will allow us to learn more about the demand for fixed wing aircraft as they transition one day from turbine fuel, jet-A, over to hydrogen and also multi-modalities like buses, cars, ag equipment," Matt said. He added that the airport’s proximity to Highway 101 makes it attractive for a public fueling site and could capture fuel flowage fees similar to a gas station.
Commission discussion and audience comments noted existing hydrogen uses elsewhere: the manager referenced MST’s hydrogen buses and said at least two automakers produce hydrogen vehicles. Matt cautioned that production methods differ — "there are two ways of producing hydrogen, and one is considered not as clean as the other" — and said the study will look into production sources and environmental tradeoffs.
Potential locations described in the discussion include the former fuel farm in the runway protection zone, an east-side parcel (which staff said is presently accessed by an unpaved, narrow road and would require paving and widening), and an area near the control tower. Any final location would need FAA approval, the manager said.
On costs and user economics, Matt said current hydrogen fueling for passenger vehicles can cost roughly $80 for about a 200-mile range, making fuel economics a factor in near-term adoption. He said that if the study shows sufficient demand and a viable location, staff would return to the commission to seek direction on pursuing a public hydrogen fueling installation and potential private partners to operate it.
The commission did not take formal action at the meeting; the study is a staff-funded exploratory step. Next steps described by staff include continued interviews with potential users and a formal report to the commission when analysis is complete.
