Plans for new £1.4million low carbon refuelling hub drive forward

06 February 2018

Proposals to establish a low carbon refuelling station at the new Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre have taken another step forward.

The proposed facility is designed to provide hydrogen refuelling and charging points for electric vehicles – part of a city wide drive to embrace sustainable transport.

Councillors on the Finance, Policy and Resources committee noted the Council’s intention to apply for a grant of £1,014,772 from the Transport Scotland Low Carbon Travel and Transport Challenge Fund. The remaining £434,904 capital cost of the project will be met from the existing AECC contingency budget.

The AECC design incorporates an Energy Centre, a testing and demonstration facility for renewable energy technologies. Hydrogen produced at the centre could be used to power vehicles with the addition of the refuelling hub.

Cllr Douglas Lumsden, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council and convener of the Finance, Policy and Resources committee, said: “Innovation will be central to the evolution of Aberdeen and the Council is determined to lead from the front in that respect.

“The roll-out of the hydrogen bus project and wider programme has demonstrated the potential and investment in infrastructure will support further development.

“Ultra-low and low emission vehicles can support our strategy for improving air quality in the city - whilst also underlining Aberdeen’s role as Scotland’s capital of research and development.

“It is essential we explore all funding options and I hope our application to the challenge fund is successful. As a Council we are prepared to make a significant contribution to realise the aims of this project.”