Doosan Babcock to deliver UK’s largest fuel cell installation in Aberdeen

UK energy engineering specialist Doosan Babcock is to supply the new Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) with the largest fuel cell installation in the UK and on a par with the largest in Europe.

The ground-breaking deal on the Aberdeen City Council project will see the creation of a dedicated on-site Energy Centre to provide power, heat, and cooling to the new £333m AECC.

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Working with development partner, Henry Boot Developments, M&E project contractor, FES and principal contractor Robertson Group, Doosan Babcock will supply three 460kW Doosan Purecell® units to provide an independent source of reliable, affordable, low-carbon/minimal air pollution heat and power for the 150-acre site.

Aberdeen City Council Leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: “I am delighted that Doosan Babcock are to provide such an innovative part of the new AECC. The new AECC will be a modern and fit-for-purpose facility, attracting bigger names in entertainment and more major international events and conferences to the north-east, so it is fitting that it will be leading in fuel cell technology.

“The venue will be a fantastic asset for Aberdeen as part of the City Council’s Strategic Infrastructure Plan, and it is great that such an experienced company in Doosan Babcock will be a part of our city’s future.”

Henry Boot Developments is Aberdeen City Council’s development partner for the new AECC. Nick Harris, Director at Henry Boot Developments said: “The new AECC will showcase innovation in a number of areas. The energy centre is a great example of this, delivering greater efficiency and environmental benefits through the use of new technology. The energy centre has been designed as a highly efficient method for providing heat, power and cooling for the new AECC and other buildings on the site. It is a hybrid combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) installation utilising grid electricity, mains gas and private pipe bio methane.”

Doosan Babcock Chief Executive Officer Andrew Hunt, said: “We are thrilled to be involved in such an exciting and transformative project. The AECC and Energy Centre will contribute in multiple ways to Scotland’s economy and environment, as well as providing a pioneering example of how cities and businesses can effectively meet environmental targets.

“We look forward to working with FES and the Robertson Group in delivering an innovative and practical energy solution for the AECC.”

Over the next 10 years, the new AECC is expected to attract major artists and events to the city, and contribute an additional 4.5 million visitors, £113 million of visitor spend and £63m net GVA to the Scottish economy.

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