Stage 1 - Infrastructure Build-out (Ongoing)
During the first project period (Months 1-18) the Malpensa site was secured and fully characterised: water-and-power studies, front-end engineering (process flow, single-line diagrams, mass-energy balances) and initial hazard reviews were all delivered. The design centres on a 5 MW PEM electrolyser producing roughly 503 t H₂ year⁻¹ at 59 kWh kg⁻¹, paired with 300-500 bar modular storage. Master-plan modification and the associated permitting sequence are progressing in parallel, with commercial off-take commitments incorporated into the Final Investment Decision pathway. These steps proved to be challenging, but they are being actively managed within the updated project schedule.
Stage 2 - Airport Use-Cases (Ongoing)
Data logging on buses and air-side vehicles has enabled validated GT-Suite models and the “Hympact” tool, which quantifies diesel-versus-hydrogen performance. The Ambulift has been selected as the first fuel-cell demonstrator: The partners are finalising drivetrain integration, while hydrogen internal-combustion push-backs and shuttle buses are under technical review. Draft retrofit guidelines already align with ENAC-ENEA safety frameworks, and the detailed technical plan is being refined to integrate real-time operational inputs. All activities remain synchronised with stakeholder and regulatory requirements.
Stage 3 - Demonstration Campaign (Ongoing)
Operational preparation is well underway. Key performance indicators defined in the related deliverable now drive three optimised energy scenarios, supported by a comprehensive logistics cost matrix. The integrated safety plan, embeds Iterative Safety Verification protocols and Joint Research Centre reporting formats. Construction of the production plant and the PNRR-funded refuelling station are being aligned through a revised Gantt, ensuring seamless start-up and data collection for the upcoming pilot.
Stage 4 - Master Planning Tool Validation and Replication (Ongoing)
Specification of the Master Planning Tool is complete: the modelling baseline is set, the Crystal Optimisation Engine has been refactored, and priority functions, electricity portfolio optimisation, levelised cost of hydrogen, demand-supply curves, are in place. Four of nine Key Exploitable Results are now fully characterised, while stakeholder mapping covers 29 organisations, including the Lombardy Energy Cleantech Cluster for replication opportunities. Beta versions of the optimisation toolbox and visualisation module will be piloted in 2025, feeding into regional and European replication studies under the exploitation roadmap.