Vattenfall IDNO electrifies world-leading immunotherapy research facility in Scotland

  • Vattenfall IDNO have energized a new electrical grid connection for a pioneering immunology research services facility near Glasgow, Scotland.
  • The new electrical connection will provide power to RoukenBio's expanded research facility, enabling them to conduct important studies in immunology and bioassays to enable therapeutic development.
  • The expansion of the facility will help speed up the discovery of new drugs.

Vattenfall IDNO has successfully energised a new electrical grid connection for a pioneering immunology research facility near Glasgow, Scotland. 

This significant project marks a major milestone in supporting the innovative work of RoukenBio, a collaborative research organization (CRO) formerly known as Antibody Analytics. A CRO is a type of research entity that involves multiple individuals or groups working together to achieve a common research goal, in this case, the development of immunotherapies and biological medicines.

The new 11kV point of connection will power RoukenBio's immunology and bioassay research, accelerating breakthroughs in drug discovery. The facility, part of the second phase of the site’s expansion, will enhance RoukenBio's capabilities in testing. It enables them to support more clients globally to identify new treatments for immune-related diseases and progress these potential new treatments into clinical testing.

The new 24,000-square-foot facility, powered by the new grid connection, has delivered a 55% increase in laboratory and office space, enabling RoukenBio to house a wider range of advanced instrumentation and invest in new cutting-edge equipment to boost their cell engineering and therapeutic development capabilities.

Vattenfall IDNO, in collaboration with an Independent Connection Provider (ICP), has built a new substation including transformers, switchgear, and cables to deliver a new supply of 1200kva to power the new facilities. Vattenfall IDNO will now own and operate the infrastructure that delivers power to the site. Phase 3 of the expansion is due to begin in 2025.

Stewart Dawson, Managing Director at Vattenfall IDNO, commented: 

“We are proud to have delivered power to this important new facility for RoukenBio. As an IDNO, we are keen to support electrification projects to help the UK move towards net zero as fast as possible. This collaboration has been excellent, and we look forward to supporting more projects like this in the future.”

Andy Upsall, CEO of RoukenBio, commented: 

“This new facility is a game-changer for our research capabilities. The increased space and advanced equipment will significantly enhance our capacity, enabling us to support our clients in the development of much needed new therapeutics for immune-regulated diseases. We are grateful for the support from Vattenfall IDNO in making this possible.”

About RoukenBio

RoukenBio is a leading collaborative research organization (CRO) specializing in immunology and bioassay research. Employing in excess of 100 staff, the company focuses on the pre-clinical, in vitro selection and characterization of therapeutics aimed at addressing immune-regulated diseases, with a vision to become the most trusted research partenmer for biotherapeutic developers globally.

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