Hydrogen is emerging as a vital component in the transition scenarios of many hard-to-decarbonize sectors. For the aviation industry, the success of this decarbonization pathway hinges on the development of essential supporting infrastructure and a dependable hydrogen supply. The versatility of hydrogen production may hold the key to achieving the latter. Yet the case for a diversified and strategic procurement of hydrogen at airports is often overlooked in the literature. We present a model optimizing the design and operation of a hydrogen-based microgrid at airports. This microgrid will provide energy for aircraft, ground support equipment, vehicle refueling (including hydrogen for heavy-duty vehicles and electricity for light-duty vehicles), and heating systems for airport buildings. In this paper, we apply this model to the Toronto Pearson International Airport, exploring various hydrogen supply scenarios. In doing so, we assess the impact of different policy decisions and economic factors on the system's overall cost and carbon emissions.
