Power Park network to help decarbonise commercial vehicles

Relode is developing a UK-wide network of gigawatt-scale Power Parks, which will include electric heavy goods vehicle (HGV) charging hubs. 

With electricity demand expected to more than double between now and 2050, the specialist electricity infrastructure developer will open-up gigawatt-scale grid connections at approximately 15 sites.

Each Power Park will feature a substation and associated cabling to bring electricity to the site, plus an electric HGV charging hub offering a combination of rapid and overnight charging for 50-plus vehicles.

Large energy users in the vicinity with be able to connect directly into the Power Park, with enabling the electrification of commercial transport, specifically trucks and shipping, is a core focus.

Relode’s Power Parks will also cater to new high-power demand industries such as data centres, whose electricity demand is expected to increase six-fold in the next 10 years alone, driven by growth in artificial intelligence and quantum computing. 

Working closely with National Grid and Distribution Network Operators, the company will invest ahead-of-need at strategic locations to accelerate net zero. 

Mikey Clark, CEO, Relode, explained: “Electrification is the fastest, most economical way we have to decarbonise our world, but the scale of the challenge cannot be overstated.

“We have just a few short decades in which to super-charge our grid and deliver the infrastructure needed to meet the coming explosion in electricity demand.  

“To succeed we need all hands-on deck. Working in partnership with network operators, Relode will invest at critical junctures of electricity demand to help some of our most energy-intensive industries secure the power they need to transition to a clean, electric future.  

“Our network of gigawatt-scale Power Parks will catalyse clean growth, drive investment and enable businesses to electrify their operations at the pace and scale required to meet net zero.” 

The exact design of each Power Park will reflect local economic and environmental priorities and be developed in partnership with local authorities and businesses.

Relode has been founded by key members of the Pivot Power team (now part of EDF Renewables) who pioneered the UK’s first transmission-connected batteries and electric vehicle charging hubs.