A hydrogen-power 25kW energy generator is being trialled by hydrogen start-up company Hydrologiq at the ACHES (Aberdeen City Hydrogen Energy Storage) site, in partnership with Aberdeen City Council and Norco Energy.
The generator, believed to be the first of its size deployed in the UK, uses a fuel-cell to convert hydrogen and water into an electrical current and is aimed at replacing traditional diesel-fuelled generators to produce clean energy with the added benefit of vastly reduced noise and vibration output which lends itself to use at construction sites, filmsets, events and festivals.
The trial will stress test the generator before it is deployed more widely across the UK and will use hydrogen provided by the refuelling station at ACHES with deployment support, maintenance and logistics provided by Norco Energy.
The trial is running from Wednesday 4th May until Monday 30th May and is being supported by grant funding from the UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) as part of the Energy Entrepreneurs Fund.
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Alex Nicoll said: “Hosting the trial of this generator in Aberdeen further showcases the city at the forefront of innovation for the hydrogen industry across the country.
“The city has forged ahead to bring hydrogen vehicles into its transport mix and the introduction of new technologies shows the diverse range of uses hydrogen has as a fuel.”
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Ian Yuill added: “We are thrilled to work with the teams at Hydrologiq and Norco Energy to trial this new technology at ACHES.
“Both organisations match the passion we have in Aberdeen about the transition to green energy and we are excited to see the results of the trial.”
Benjamin Lindley, Director of Hydrologiq said: "2022 heralds a new age for generator power. The diesel engine has been around since the 1800s, so it's about time we embraced new technology to respond to a modern world where air quality and noise pollution are top of the agenda.
“Everyone at Hydrologiq is proud of our collaboration with Aberdeen City Council and Norco Energy to make this dream a reality today."
Frank Burns, Hydrogen Lead at Norco Group Ltd added: “Norco are extremely excited to be working with ACC and Hydrologiq to bring the first Hydrogen fuel cell generator to Aberdeen.
“Hydrogen has the potential to be the predominant stored energy source globally.
“At Norco we have recognised this. Transitioning our expertise in electrical stored energy solutions to incorporate hydrogen production, generation and storage was a natural progression for us."