SSE Energy Solutions has been appointed to design and install power infrastructure at significant new logistics sites across the country.
Future proofed infrastructure designed to ease the transition to net zero will be incorporated in major projects including the brand-new Matrix 49 Bristol Logistics Park in Avonmouth; Konect, on the site of the former Kellingley Colliery in West Yorkshire; and the Flagship Park development in Peterborough.
More than 125MVA of infrastructure will be strategically delivered across these developments, including four primary substations connected at EHV to the local grid.
It is widely accepted that the UK will need to invest in smart energy infrastructure to deliver its net zero targets in energy, transport, and heat. SSE’s work will pave the way for the sites to adopt clean energy solutions going forward, including power generation, EV charging and smart power systems. The UK has and continues to see significant growth in the logistics sector, with record levels of investment and demand.
Other sites also being delivered include Panattoni Park, Bristol; the Jade Business Park, County Durham; and the Mountpark Logistics Parks near Hinckley and in Knottingley. Additional sites in Teesside and Scotland will be announced in the coming weeks.
SSE Energy Solutions is seeing significant demand for an increase in power coupled with a strategic focus on sustainability and net zero. Working with their clients, they are taking a ‘Whole System’ approach to energy infrastructure.
Noel Powell, Head of Business Development at SSE Energy Solutions, said: “SSE Energy Solutions invest in, build, and connect localised flexible infrastructure creating a more resilient and sustainable energy system. We’re helping the UK accelerate to net zero with Whole System Thinking. We are playing a pivotal role in the growth of the logistics sector across the UK.”
“Our projects are a true collaboration with our clients to ensure an optimum technical and commercial solution is provided. At SSE Energy Solutions, our ‘Whole System’ approach to energy infrastructure means we can work from the very beginning at the design stage to work out resilient and reliable systems for high power sites including vast logistics parks.”
“Working to build infrastructure to support carbon net-zero power and support long-term decarbonisation goals, such as electric vehicle charging and on-site generation, is key for so many logistics businesses these days. We are proud to have the trust and confidence of our customers and partners to build greener, reliable energy systems across vast development sites.”
Currently under construction is the Matrix 49 development in Bristol, a joint venture between BentallGreenOak and Equation Properties which will extend to 65 acres and host a variety of building sizes ranging from 133,438 – 584,361sq ft across three separate build phases, totalling more than 1.1m sq. ft. The plans include an enhanced power supply to all units, with optionality to be upgraded further, EV charging points provided with provision to future-proof occupier fleet requirements, and renewable technologies such as Solar PVs and air source heat pumps that will mean reduced energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
SSE Energy Solutions is working collaboratively with project stakeholders to design and install primary infrastructure at the site including 11kV infrastructure to individual plots within the development, a 33/11kV primary substation and 33kV approach main from point of connection.
Matrix 49 Bristol is being developed to high specification, with an Excellent rating from BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) and an A-rated EPC.
SSE’s Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO), Optimal Power Networks (OPN) will adopt the network once the installation is completed, and the network is energised. OPN will own and operate all network infrastructure providing 24/7 monitoring of power at the site and the new 33/11kV primary substation via 4G, by using network management underpinned by SSE Energy Solutions’ Control Centre. OPN’s aim is for its networks to be fit for the future and zero-carbon ready by being an enabler of low carbon technologies.
Grant Elder, Head of IDNO at Optimal Power Networks, said: “OPN is delighted to be working with SSE Energy Solutions and their clients by investing in network infrastructure to deliver the electrification of transport and industry. We are excited to be helping customers on their journey to net zero by providing resilient and future-proofed local electricity networks.”
