A project milestone has been reached on the £333 million Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) project.

The largest hydrogen fuel cell installation in the UK has arrived at the development, which will be used to provide low-emission heat and power for the 150-acre site.

The three fuel cells were supplied by UK energy engineering specialist Doosan Babcock and will have a total total electrical output of 1.4MW.

City Council Co-Leader, Jenny Laing, said the cells build on council's Hydrogen Strategy and "enhances the city's reputation for energy innovation including renewable and low carbon energy".

"The arrival of the hydrogen fuel cells at the new AECC is another great step forward for the development and is part of our ongoing commitment to use green technologies at the site," she said.

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Nick Harris, Scottish Director at development partner Henry Boot said: "The energy centre is just one example of how this flagship project is harnessing the latest technology to ensure the new AECC will be one of the most outstanding, modern and sustainable venues in the UK.

"The energy centre is a hybrid combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) installation, which will provide the venue and hotels with heat, power and cooling, while delivering greater efficiency and environmental benefits.”

Due to open in 2019, the AECC venue will provide a new exhibition and conference centre for the city, providing hundreds of jobs, attracting millions of visitors and boosting the Scottish economy.

Derek Shewan, Chief Operating Officer for Robertson Group, the main contractor delivering the new AECC, said: "The energy centre provides the new facility with incredibly strong green credentials.

"The construction works are coming along nicely with the ground slabs already poured and the pre-cast wall panels complete. With the fuel cells now installed, the roofing and cladding are continuing apace."

(LM)