Powering TECA’s Energy Centre with Low-Carbon Innovation

3 Minute Read

Sector

Energy

Services

Design & Architecture

Key Criteria

Sustainability

Region

Scotland

The image shows the word TECA in bold, black letters on a white background, with a thick black diagonal line above the letter A.
A modern building with geometric architecture, angled walls, and metallic panels, set against a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. Greenery lines the edges of the structure.

Executive Summary

OCS was chosen to design, supply, install and commission the full mechanical and electrical energy infrastructure at The Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA) – a development located in North-East Scotland.

Delivered in partnership with Robertson Construction, the energy centre integrates technologies, including hydrogen fuel cells and anaerobic digestion, to provide a resilient and low-emission energy source for the 150-acre site. The works were a part of a wider strategy to enhance Aberdeen’s position as a global energy hub, aligning with Aberdeen City Council’s hydrogen and sustainability master plans.

  • An orange lightning bolt is centered inside a circular arrow, symbolizing energy, electricity, or renewable power.

    1.4 MW

    Hydrogen fuel cell capacity

  • Orange line drawing of an open hand with a dollar coin hovering above it and two lines indicating the coin is being received.

    £16 million

    Invested in energy and utility infrastructure

  • A large, solid orange shape with rounded and irregular edges fills most of the image, partially bordered by a thick white frame and small black, dark gray, and white corner details.

    4.5 million

    Additional visitors per year

  • An orange lightning bolt is centered inside a circular arrow, symbolizing energy, electricity, or renewable power.

    150 acres

    Covered by integrated energy and utility systems

A smiling woman wearing a bright blue jacket and green sunglasses gives two thumbs up outdoors under a clear blue sky.

The Brief

Full design, supply, installation, and commissioning of energy infrastructure.
Integration of hydrogen fuel cells and anaerobic digestion systems.
District heating, cooling, water, gas, and fibre optic networks.
Support for Aberdeen City Council’s hydrogen and sustainability strategies.
Future-ready infrastructure to power exhibition, arena, and hospitality venues.
Large white storage tanks with “H2 HYDROGEN” written in blue on one tank, surrounded by metal railings and ladders, under a clear blue sky; representing hydrogen gas storage facilities.

The Outcome

The TECA energy infrastructure was completed on time and fully aligned with customer expectations. It now plays a critical role in delivering clean, reliable and cost-efficient energy to the wider TECA estate, including the exhibition venue, arena, conference facilities and hotel complex.

As the UK’s largest hydrogen fuel cell deployment, the site demonstrates what can be achieved through bold investment in green energy, systems integration, and engineering excellence.

BEST Outcomes

  • We created a seamless delivery experience for our client by managing coordination across multiple engineering disciplines, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum quality assurance throughout the build.
  • Through advanced front-end design and effective on-site sequencing, we maintained peak efficiency despite complex spatial and scheduling constraints, keeping the project ahead of programme.
  • Our integrated approach to testing and commissioning ensured full compliance across all systems, while prioritising health, safety and environmental performance throughout.
  • The energy centre delivers long-term reliability, powered by low-emission hydrogen fuel cells and anaerobic digestion, making the site less dependent on grid-supplied energy and aligned to future energy demands.
  • TECA now benefits from a fully integrated, low-carbon infrastructure solution that supports the city’s net-zero journey and creates lasting social value through local jobs and skills development.
  • 0%

    Compliance and delivery within one of Scotland’s largest and most complex live construction environments.

  • 0%

    Maintenance and performance within one of Scotland’s largest and most complex live construction environments.

  • 0%

    Over 300 operatives coordinated across one of Scotland’s largest live construction environments.

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