NEC to generate own electricity in Centrica tie-up

THE National Exhibition Centre has teamed up with British Gas owner Centrica to carry out a major new energy project.

The initiative will see the NEC in Solihull generate its own power on site.

Centrica will provide heat and power to the building through the design and installation of its combined heat and power units (CHP) as well as financing the delivery of the project which will be repaid from the energy savings made. The project is being run through the Centrica Business Solutions arm of the group which said this was the first deal of its kind for the company.

British Gas Business will supply the top-up electricity for the site. The scheme is aimed at the NEC reducing its costs and improving energy resilience on site as a result of being less reliant on grid power and the construction and commissioning is expected to take around a year.

Alan Barlow, director of UK and Ireland for Centrica Business Solutions, said: “The nature of a venue such as the NEC is that its electricity use is incredibly varied, with large shows creating a high demand for power, while the periods between the shows have limited demand. By transitioning to decentralised power the venue is now able to generate additional revenue by selling this additional capacity to the grid.”

Ian Taylor, acting managing director of conventions and exhibitions at the NEC, added: “The partnership with Centrica Business Solutions will deliver significant energy savings to the NEC.

“Sustainability is still a primary business focus for the NEC Group and this project will significantly enhance our sustainable working and environmental impact.”