
Energy engineering specialist Doosan Babcock is to supply the new Aberdeen conference centre with the largest fuel cell installation in the UK – providing a total electrical output of 1.4MW.
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.
The ground-breaking deal will also see the creation of a dedicated on-site Energy Centre to provide power, heat, and cooling to the new £333 million centre.
Aberdeen 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.
Nick Harris, Director, 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.”
Andrew Hunt, Chief Executive, Doosan Babcock, 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.
Ian Chisholm, Director of Green Power Solutions, Doosan Babcock, said: “This landmark AECC contract reinforces the credentials of fuel cells as a leading technology in the low-emission, high-efficiency combined heat and power market.
“There are now more than 412 Doosan Purecell® systems providing reliable, decentralised heat and power to industrial, commercial and municipal facilities worldwide and we look forward to working on what will be the largest fuel cell installation in the UK.”