UK Power Networks experts have fast-tracked electricity infrastructure work in Sutton to allow 84 new electric buses to charge up.
The company, which distributes electricity supplies across the South East, has completed a nine-month project in the town as part of the Green Recovery scheme.
Experts have made an extra 3.8 MW of electricity available to Go-Ahead London’s Sutton Bus Garage, enabling electric buses to charge in the future. This includes a new high voltage underground cable along a 1.5km route.
Eighty-four new electric buses are expected to start operating out of Sutton’s Bushey Road garage by the end of 2023. The new buses are due to run on routes in south west London.
UK Power Networks is delivering £66 million of ‘green recovery’ investment to support low carbon energy projects to achieve the Government’s Ten Point Plan towards Net Zero by 2050. A total of 86 schemes are being fast-tracked by the electricity company across a range of sites including Electric Vehicle charging hubs at motorway service stations, fleets of electric buses, community energy schemes and heat pumps.
Adam Lakey, leading the projects for UK Power Networks, said, “Our programme of investment in Green Recovery network upgrades will enable more low carbon technologies to connect to our networks, while improving air quality and supporting green recovery.
“We are delighted to be working with local authorities, community groups and commercial fleet operators to make it as easy as possible for more electric vehicles, electric heating and community energy schemes to connect to the network.”
Louise Cheeseman, Director of Bus at TfL, welcomed the investment, she noted, “These works at the Sutton Bus Garage are helping drive forward our zero-emission bus agenda, giving bus operators the capacity to charge the significant number of vehicles now operating in London.
“London has one of the largest and greenest fleets in the world, but we won’t stop until every single one of the capital’s buses is zero-emission. With their smooth, quiet journeys and innovative features, zero-emission buses don’t just help reduce the effects of climate change and improve air quality – they help to make our city better for everyone and offer a great alternative to the car when getting around town.”
John Trayner, Go-Ahead London’s Managing Director, concluded, “The important infrastructure works recently completed at Sutton Garage, our sixth Zero Emission (ZE) operating site, means we will soon be serving the local community with buses that showcase world-class public transport.
“As the capital’s most experienced ZE provider, with a fleet of around 400 electric vehicles, we are delivering improved air quality by decarbonising the iconic red bus fleet and I am pleased to add that Sutton will imminently be joined by other Go-Ahead London locations making the change to alternative clean technologies.”