Major investment from the private sector in high-voltage infrastructure will be crucial in enabling the Government to meet its 2050 net zero ambitions, according to Vattenfall Network Solutions

Launched in November 2020, the Prime Minister’s 10-point industrial plan for a Green Revolution and the newly launched National Infrastructure Strategy, outline how the Government plans to increase the uptake of zero emission vehicles and reduce the barriers for drivers considering the switch to EVs.

The government’s plans include investing £950 million in future proofing grid capacity along motorways and key A roads and a commitment of £90 million to fund local EV charging infrastructure to support the roll out of larger, on-street-charging schemes.

Stewart Dawson, managing director of Vattenfall Network Solutions UK, said: “We stand ready to support businesses that want to play a part in the Government’s ‘Green Revolution’ and the EV transition goals by 2030. To get there, it's vital that UK plc upgrades and invests in its Private Wire Networks and high-voltage energy infrastructures without delay.   

“In the current economic conditions, this may be challenging. However, alternative financial models can help to accelerate the low carbon transition.  Our own Power-as-a-Service (PaaS) solution is one such ‘enabler’ which can provide essential investment capital to fund building, ownership and operation of new and existing electrical infrastructure, so that businesses can focus their cash reserves and resources on their core business.

“Under Power-as-a-Service a third party takes full responsibility for the business’s electrical needs by investing in their networks and managing all compliance, regulatory and environmental issues.

Vattenfall has published a White Paper on PaaS that is available to view here: https://network-solutions.vattenfall.co.uk/power-as-a-service-white-paper.