Kirby to lead the way with provision of new Eco-Hub infrastructure
“We are in the middle of the biggest revolution in motoring since Henry Ford's first production line started turning back in 1913.”
Justin Rowlatt of the BBC. [1]
Fields near Kirby-le-Soken and Kirby Cross are set to become one of first locations across the UK to benefit from a brand-new Eco-Hub.
The project comprises an electric vehicle charging station off the Halstead Road powered by its own solar panels thanks to a proposed £12-15million investment from developer, Naturalis [2].
By 2030, the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and small vans will be banned in Britain. Replacing them will be a range of electric vehicles. Customers will use projects like this one to recharge their cars and small vans.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders believes that in order to have the world-class infrastructure required for 2030, at least 700 public charging points must be installed each day until 2030 [3].
To meet a growing need for new publicly available electric vehicle charging points, Naturalis have chosen Kirby to be home to this new Eco-Hub.
Britain: a global leader in renewables
Whether it is petrol or gas, these fossil fuels are imported from various locations around the world such as the Middle East and Russia to meet British demand.
It means that global energy prices and geo-politics associated with oil and gas have huge impacts and consequences for Britain – as we have seen recently.
Britain’s reliance on imported energy is minimised by projects like the Eco-Hub. As the Secretary of State said recently “...it is the case that the UK is still too reliant on fossil fuels. Our exposure to volatile global gas prices underscores the importance of our plan to build a strong, home-grown renewable energy sector to strengthen our energy security into the future.” [4]
Kirby: doing its bit for Britain
Electric vehicle sales are growing fast but there are concerns that investment in public electric vehicle charging is missing out large parts of the UK, especially smaller towns, and rural areas. [5]
The £12-15million Eco-Hub investment will ensure that Kirby avoids this risk and benefits from cheap, clean electricity generation that will power homes and vehicles alike. The project will be designed to “rapid charge” at least 12 electric cars at the same time, no matter the make or model.
Moreover, Kirby will be doing its bit for the nation through the production of clean electricity that will feed into the National Grid and help reduce the impact of climate change.
The project will create local jobs, during construction and during operation, and expressions of interest from local contractors can be made through the website.
Consultation and Next Steps
Naturalis brings together the combined renewable energy experience of Renantis UK and REG Power Management.
As Naturalis seeks to progress the Eco-Hub proposal, it will be undertaking a consultation on the scheme ahead of the submission of a planning application to Tendring District Council likely in December 2021. Further details to follow.
You can stay up to date with progress on this proposal, including the latest updates and news by visiting this website on a regular basis.
[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57253947
[2] A Joint Venture between Renantis UK and REG Power Management
[3] SMMT (March 2021) Delivering the Triple Bottom Line: A Blueprint for the Electric Vehicle Revolution
[4] Taken from the “Statement on the UK gas market by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, 20 September 2021”.
[5] Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Simon Clarke MP, 2 February 2021
