Aegis Energy Secures €118M to Build Clean Energy Network for Commercial Vehicles in the UK

Wakefield-based Aegis Energy has announced a significant funding boost, securing £100M (approximately €118M) from Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners to advance its efforts in building a network of clean energy hubs across the UK. This initiative aims to address critical infrastructure gaps for the decarbonisation of commercial vehicles, supporting the transition to greener transport solutions.

Aegis Energy Secures €118M to Build Clean Energy Network for Commercial Vehicles in the UK
Aegis Energy Secures €118M to Build Clean Energy Network for Commercial Vehicles in the UK

Wakefield-based Aegis Energy has announced a significant funding boost, securing £100M (approximately €118M) from Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners to advance its efforts in building a network of clean energy hubs across the UK. This initiative aims to address critical infrastructure gaps for the decarbonisation of commercial vehicles, supporting the transition to greener transport solutions.

Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, a specialist investment manager focusing on energy transition infrastructure in the UK, US, and Australia, sees this investment as a step towards achieving the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle mandate. Keith Gains, Managing Director and UK Regional Lead for Quinbrook, noted, “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. This presents significant opportunities for Aegis Energy to build market-leading refuelling hubs.”

Funding to Support Multi-Energy Stations

The funding will enable Aegis Energy to construct its first multi-energy recharging and refuelling facilities, catering to truck and van operators transitioning to cleaner fuels. These hubs will provide access to various low-carbon options, including electric charging, hydrogen, HVO, and bio-CNG.

The initial phase of the project involves the establishment of five hubs in Sheffield, Immingham, Warrington, Corby, and Towcester, with completion expected by the end of 2027. Construction is set to begin in 2025, with the first station scheduled to open in early 2026. The company’s long-term plan includes expanding its network to 30 hubs by 2030, providing critical infrastructure for the growing demand for sustainable transport.

Each hub is designed to accommodate simultaneous charging and refuelling for 40+ heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and 25+ vans, ensuring efficient service for fleet operators. Aegis Energy has already secured grid connections in multiple locations to support its infrastructure goals.

Addressing Emissions Challenges in Transportation

Transportation remains the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, accounting for 29 percent of the total, with commercial vehicles responsible for 10 percent. The transition to zero-emission fleets is not only driven by regulatory pressures but also by increasing consumer demand for sustainable logistics solutions. However, fleet operators face challenges in accessing the necessary infrastructure.

Christopher Thorneycroft-Smith, Co-founder of Aegis Energy, highlighted the barriers fleet operators encounter, stating, “Building depot infrastructure can be complex and grid connections are not easy, or cheap, to secure. Not only this, but long-haul operations require a top-up charge, and for van drivers, when at-home charging isn’t a practical solution, they lose time waiting to charge elsewhere.”

Supporting a Greener Transition

Aegis Energy aims to facilitate the shift to cleaner transport by providing accessible public hubs with multiple energy options. The company estimates that each hub will reduce carbon equivalent emissions by approximately 14,300 tonnes annually. Through its partnership with Quinbrook, Aegis Energy seeks to deliver critical infrastructure to support the decarbonisation of millions of vehicles.

This initiative represents a pivotal effort to close infrastructure gaps and enable fleet operators to transition to sustainable energy solutions, positioning Aegis Energy as a key player in the UK’s journey towards low-carbon transportation.