SP Energy Networks calling for volunteers for EV charging trial

10/11/2020

SP Energy Networks is looking for businesses with electric vehicles to take part in a smart charging trial across Cheshire, Merseyside, North Shropshire and North and Mid-Wales.

The company is also keen to hear from developers and chargepoint operators (CPOs) who are currently considering the installation of chargepoints.

The trial is part of the Charge Project, an initiative from SP Energy Networks and its partners EA Technlogy, PTV Group and Smarter Grid Solutions, which aims to accelerate the roll-out of public EV charging infrastructure in the region.

Geoff Murphy, lead for the Charge Project at SP Energy Networks, said: “Creating a comprehensive EV charging infrastructure is vital to helping our communities achieve their net zero carbon goals and a key part of the ‘green economic recovery’ of the UK post-Covid-19.

“To make that happen, we need to safely and effectively manage the demand on the electricity network that increased EV charging will create.

“We believe that smart charging connections are a vital part of the solution – the results from this trial will improve our understanding of how they work in real-world scenarios.”

A smart charging connection can automatically detect if the CPO need to reduce chargepoint capacity during periods of peak demand, ensuring the electricity network does not become overloaded.

It can also increase chargepoint capacity during off-peak periods or when power from alternative sources such as solar PV is available.

By managing demand in this way, a smart charging connection can enable the installation of more chargepoints in a single location without the need for expensive network reinforcements.

Dr Graham Ault, executive director at Smarter Grid Solutions, added: “Companies and site owners may have been put off in the past from installing chargepoints due to excessive costs or distribution network issues, but smart charging connection technology can help to solve these problems.

“This is a vital part of the Charge Project’s commitment to deliver both economic and environmental benefits to communities across the country.”

Any businesses interested in taking part in this trial can register their interest by clicking here.

Watch now: Connecting Policy To Solutions Virtual Conference 2021

Smart Transport Conference returned on June 8th & 9th, to facilitate pivotal discussions on the future of transport.

The UK’s most senior public and private sector transport leaders discussed the impact of Covid-19, achieving the Government’s decarbonisation ambitions, the need for more efficient living and better health, and much more.

Keynote speakers included:

Kwasi Kwarteng, secretary of state at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), who spoke on BEIS's approach to decarbonising transport, particularly the electrification of the vehicle industry

Keith Williams, co-author of the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail, who spoke on rail’s role in integrated transport, decarbonisation and innovation.

Rachel Maclean, parliamentary under-secretary of state at the Department for Transport, who discussed the future of transport and its pivotal role in a ‘green recovery’ from the pandemic.

Conference speakers

Agenda topics

Watch now