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RAF Lossiemouth goes green with new electric generators

Electric generators will be used at RAF Lossiemouth. IMage: Ministry of Defence.
Electric generators will be used at RAF Lossiemouth. IMage: Ministry of Defence.

RAF Lossiemouth is going green with new electric generators that should cut harmful emissions by more than 90%.

This comes as part of a £4 million rollout of 40 new ground power units (GPUs) across the Moray base and RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire by the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S).

The new generators are powered by the same battery packs used in Nissan Leaf electric cars and will hopefully lower both emissions and running costs.

It is estimated costs could be cut by around 80%, saving the force £13m across the Typhoon fleet in the decade after they are put to use in March 2023.

Quieter working environment

As well as reducing emissions, the new GPUs will also improve working conditions at RAF Lossiemouth as they make around as much noise as a dishwasher or electric shower.

Flight Lieutenant Adam Hayler said: “The current in-service diesel GPUs have a high fuel consumption, are noisy and have high carbon dioxide emissions. In fact, around 42% of the CO2 footprint from seeing off the aircraft comes from these GPUs.

“In contrast, this new GPU is emission free, quieter and, with its battery powered unit, can be used inside hangars with no need for input cables or ventilation. It means we have a much cleaner and safer working environment.

“In addition to its green credentials, its maintenance costs are much reduced, meaning that overall operating costs are also lower.”

More positives

Air Vice Marshal Simon Ellard, Director Combat Air at DE&S, added: “These new generators are a step forward, both in operational capability and in their green credentials. We are extremely pleased to be a part of the effort towards net zero.”

The new units can be easily transported from RAF Lossiemouth and will recharge using any standard plug worldwide – crucial for working in deployed locations.

Those diesel units that are being replaced will be added to the force’s Reduce to Produce programme so their parts don’t go to waste.

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