Electricity provider Western Power Distribution (WPD) is investing an extra £5 million into the development of its electricity network in Staffordshire.
The company – which is the electricity network distribution network operator for the Midlands – says the investment will play a “critical role” in driving a green recovery and provide key network upgrades to support the emerging technologies needed for a net zero future.
As part of the investment, WPD will upgrade and build new electrical infrastructure and substations, also helping to enable more green developments, such as electric vehicle chargers, mass heat pump installations and renewable generation, such as solar parks, to connect to the electricity network.
The company will upgrade the electricity network near Bushbury, Cannock and Stafford North motorway service stations, adding 62 megawatts of extra capacity for demand and 60 megawatts capacity for renewable generation such as solar farms.
This extra capacity means that the network would be capable of connecting over 1,000 more rapid electric vehicle chargers or 38,000 domestic electric vehicle chargers, and up to 12 large solar farms in the area.
WPD operation director Graham Halladay said: “The investment is another signal of our determination to support the country’s Net Zero ambitions.
“During the pandemic, we have continued to innovate and find ways of lowering carbon footprint, and we will now play a pivotal role in driving a green recovery.
“Our wide-ranging projects will help with some of our biggest net zero challenges, including electric vehicle range anxiety, battery storage and the decarbonisation of our heating systems.
“The time is now to cut emissions and ensure the clean and sustainable future of generations to come and we are proud and delighted to play a vital role in this.”
