Cambridgeshire County Council, in partnership with EQUANS (formerly known as Bouygues Energies & Services Ltd) is delivering an innovative renewable energy project at the St Ives Park & Ride site. The Smart Energy Grid project consists of a 1MW (Megawatt) solar photovoltaic (PV) system installed on carports above the majority of the car park. This provides power to the electric vehicle charging infrastructure and a private supply to a local customer. The project will increase local renewable energy generation and enable residents to charge their electric vehicle whilst they utilise the transport links provided by the Park & Ride. It will also generate an income stream for the County Council.
The £5.6 million micro-grid project is part-funded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (formerly known as Ministry for Housing, Communities & Local Government) through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
- 1MW solar photovoltaic system – equivalent of 250 average domestic solar installations
- 237kW of battery storage
- 10 x 22kW electric vehicle chargers
- Private wire to a local business to supply them with renewable energy
- 27GWh of clean energy forecast to be generated over 30 years
- 5.5GWh of clean energy forecast to be supplied to electric vehicles over 30 years – equivalent to 18-22 million miles
- Saving 15,025 tonnes of carbon emissions over 30 years, contributing to Cambridgeshire’s goal of Net Zero by 2045.
Project Update – April 2024
The car park remains partially open. The microgrid infrastructure has been installed on the Park & Ride site. Our contractor, Equans, is currently undertaking comprehensive final checks to assure the quality and safety of the installation, prior to returning the area to public use.
Our contractors have told us:
"Quality assurance has been performed throughout the design and installation of the Microgrid project and continues to be a key priority at this time. We are working as quickly as possible to complete this exercise. It is, however, possible that some remedial work may be necessary and, should such a scenario arise, it is likely that the works will be undertaken prior to return to public use. This is to avoid any future need to close the site.
We expect to be in a position to provide clarity on the timescales for reopening the site shortly. We recognise the impact the reduced area for parking is causing to users of the Park & Ride service. Rest assured, our focus is on safely returning the site as quickly as possible, to bring this ground-breaking project into full operation for the community’s benefit.”
Electric vehicle chargers
Ten up to 22kW electric vehicle chargers have been installed as part of the Smart Energy Grid project. More information about how to use the chargers, the price of charging and mechanisms will be made public prior to the chargers being made available for use.
Low Carbon Business Support Programme
Alongside the project, Cambridgeshire County Council in partnership with Deyton Bell and Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) ran a Low Carbon Business Support Programme from April 2022 to September 2023. The programme offered support to small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) looking to take their first steps to reduce their carbon emissions. It also offered support to those who have already started their low carbon journey through 1:1 support workshops, seminars and show case events. The programme concluded in September 2023. It successfully provided support to thirty five local businesses.
As part of the Low Carbon Business Support Programme, a live show case event was held on the 23 May 2023 at The Burgess Hall, St Ives, Cambridgeshire. The event was attended by several SMEs who participated in the programme, companies specialising in supporting the low carbon journey and our delivery partner, EQUANS. The event gave attendees the opportunity to network. Presentations were given by EQUANS, Cambridgeshire County Council and PECT. The event concluded with a visit to the St Ives Park & Ride to view the progress made to date.
Testimonials
“One of the best training courses we have been on and this will help the 360 Group reduce Carbon emissions path going forward.” 360 Coms Ltd.
“I found the six sessions really informative and well-structured. There was a lot of detail in there but it always felt engaging and manageable. The small group size meant any questions could be answered quickly where relevant to the group or followed-up afterwards if not.” Hunts Forum
“The programme has helped us take our sustainability to the next level for our stakeholders, customers and for our workforce. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn and meet new people.” Walters
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