Get funding for your project
As part of our mission to assist Local authorities in the Midlands deliver on their Net Zero commitments the Midlands Net Zero Hub recently published a Guide to the Electrification of Council Depots. The guide is designed to help local authorities transition from a fossil-fuelled fleet to an equivalent electric fleet.
Specifically, the guide outlines the steps that need to be taken to install suitable EV charging infrastructure in a local authority depot to enable the depot to host an all-electric fleet. The guide is designed to assist councils to make informed strategic decisions as they embark on electric-depot projects.
The total cost of an electric depot can be much reduced by phasing the installation of charge points in line with the procurement schedule of EVs. However, the electric depot design needs to be established early in the process to ensure investment decisions are futureproofed.
For example:
• A suitably sized connection to the electricity distribution grid needs to be secured to meet future need.
• Appropriate cabling and ducting should be installed to meet future needs to enable a ‘dig once’ approach.
• Load-management and back-office software should be specified which does not restrict choice of technology or supplier in later project phases.
About the competition
To further develop the knowledge base available to local authorities as they embark on electric-depot projects, the Hub is running a competition to provide funding for feasibility studies for a range of depot archetypes to develop costed case studies.
Local Authorities can bid for funding up to £25,000 to help cover the cost of developing an investable business case specific to their depots. Minimum match funding of 35% of the total value of the project will be required from the successful bidders in order to attract applications for projects that are most likely to be delivered.
The programme aims to fund a number of studies, which will as a minimum, cover each of the three main archetypes identified in The Guide to the Electrification of Council Depots.
The scope and specification of the studies will be defined by applicants, to enable the studies to be tailored to the specific requirements of the authority. The scope may range from techno-economic feasibility study to a full business case but will as a minimum:
• Assess the feasibility of upgrading an existing depot site.
• Provide an outline design of electrical and civil works required (e.g. RIBA Stage 3) including drawings.
• Contain well-developed costings.
• Contain clear estimates of timescales involved.
• Provide a detailed assessment of the risks associated with developing their electric depot site.
This competition is only open to Local Authorities within the Midlands Net Zero Hub region. If you are unsure as to whether you fall within this criteria, please email MidlandsNetZeroHub@Nottinghamcity.gov.uk
To apply, read through the competition guidance and the application form. Apply by sending the application form to us by 21st December 2023.
Timelines
Please see below the application/ project timeline with key actions and outcomes. These timelines are subject to change.
• The competition will be launched 20th November 2023.
• Applications will need to be received by Midnight on 21st December 2023.
• Applicants will be notified as to whether their bid has been successful on the 01st February 2024.
• All studies commissioned using funding from this competition will need to be completed by 31st July 2024.
