The UK's first network of clean energy refuelling hubs for commercial vehicles has secured £100 million in funding from Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, marking a significant step forward in transport decarbonisation.
The project, led by Aegis Energy, will create five initial sites by 2027 in Sheffield, Immingham, Warrington, Corby and Towcester, with plans to expand to 30 locations by 2030. Construction of the first hub will begin in 2025, with doors opening in early 2026.
Christopher Thorneycroft-Smith, Co-founder at Aegis said: "Aegis Energy was founded to help decarbonise the largest contributors to the most emitting sector in the UK.
"There is growing pressure from regulators and consumers for commercial vehicles to decarbonise, making it a necessity for winning new business and maintaining customer loyalty.
“Yet the lack of appropriate infrastructure is typically number one or number two on the list of barriers for fleet operators."
Each facility will offer multiple clean fuel options, including electric charging, hydrogen, HVO and bio-CNG.
The hubs will be capable of serving over 40 HGVs and 25 vans simultaneously, whilst providing essential facilities for drivers including secure parking, showers and food services.
Keith Gains, Managing Director and UK Regional Lead for Quinbrook, added: "Quinbrook is uniquely placed to capitalise on emerging investment opportunities that drive impactful emissions reduction in hard-to-abate sectors like transport.
“Targets under the UK's Zero Emission Vehicle mandate highlight the existing gaps in the infrastructure needed to provide accessible clean energy to transport fleets."
The investment comes as commercial vehicles currently contribute 10% of the UK's total emissions, with the wider transport sector responsible for 29% of greenhouse gas emissions.
Each hub is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 14,300 tonnes annually once operational.
The development addresses a crucial infrastructure gap as the logistics sector transitions to cleaner fuels ahead of the 2035-40 ban on non-zero emission vans and trucks.