SP Energy Networks has completed a £2.1 million upgrade to both reinforce and modernise an electricity network situated in West Lothian.
The investment will support the integration of several renewable energy technologies to enable wider decarbonisation targets. This includes the capability for EVs and heat pumps, amongst others.
The work was completed at the Paulville Substation in Bathgate, West Lothian and will additionally contribute to West Lothian Council’s ambition of achieving net zero emissions by 2045 in line with the national target.
“West Lothian is on track to achieve net zero emissions by 2045 but that will require big changes – as people switch to electric cars and buses, and homeowners upgrade with new heat pump technology,” said Craig Arthur, SP distribution director.
“We’re always looking at ways to improve network capacity to ensure local communities can adopt low carbon technologies and the modernisation of Paulville substation is a great example of this. The investment delivers huge benefits to the residents with modern infrastructure to provide a secure and resilient electricity supply that’s fit for the future. “
As well as the network upgrade, SP Energy networks has additionally installed two new rapid EV chargepoints at the substation. The new chargers will be used as part of a new pilot scheme for the sole use of charging the company’s fleet of electric vans and cars.
In doing so, Paulville becomes the first substation in the UK to have fitted fast-charging for EVs and thus could serve as a catalyst for similar developments across the nation, the firm said.
“SP Energy Networks is on a journey to switch over to a fully electric fleet of vehicles. Installing fast chargers for vans on site is a key step for our business as we help the country go greener. Paulville is the first substation to introduce this, but it’s really likely we’ll see this rolled out right across our network in years to come,” Arthur said.
SP Energy Networks stated in August it will provide £5 million in funding to support vulnerable communities currently facing barriers in transitioning to net zero emissions.
The tailored support programme will provide guidance and support to charities and community organisations to improve and decarbonise heating systems, electrify transportation, increase energy efficiency and upskill communities.
On the EV front, SP Energy Networks recently made more than 160 EV chargers available at hubs across Lanarkshire as part of Project PACE.
The project being developed in conjunction with the Scottish government will save taxpayers £2.6 million and increase the number of public chargers in the area by over 200%, SPEN said in 2020.
Built at locations best suited to the needs of the local community, the EV charging hubs have been developed in order to provide the necessary infrastructure required to cater for the growing EV market.
