NEW guidance has been published aimed at helping Scotland’s transport networks convert to greener alternatives and help meet Scottish Government targets on decarbonisation.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution, SP Energy Networks and electric vehicle and battery storage specialist Zenobē have produced the guidance in collaboration with Scotland’s Bus Decarbonisation Taskforce, and hope to show fleet operators how to switch to electric, as well as the local infrastructure require to support this transition.
The new guidance has been welcomed by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), which aims to ensure the four billion journeys made yearly by bus and coach in the UK at aligned with net zero targets.
Transport minister Jenny Gilruth said: "The Scottish Government's Bus Decarbonisation Taskforce is accelerating the transition to net zero by creating new partnerships.
"I am pleased to see yet another important output from the Taskforce through these new guides for operators wanting to making the switch to electric vehicles.
"Only through collaboration can we effectively decarbonise fleet with the speed that the climate emergency requires. I welcome the effort made by Scotland's distribution network operators and Zenobē who are sharing their experience and expertise on vehicle charging to bus and other fleet operators through these new guides."
SSEN director of connections Andrew Scott also commented: "We are committed to helping power our communities to net zero and are sharing guidance that will help smooth the customer journey. I would encourage all fleet operators to join our webinar and learn how to we can assist in their transition to net zero.
"We have announced that we will invest £4bn in our networks up to 2028 to create the modernised local electricity grids of the future. We are delighted to be working alongside Transport Scotland, SPEN, CPT and Zenobē on this project and hope the guide will be a helpful resource for UK fleet managers across the wider transport sector."
SP Energy Networks director of regulation and planning Scott Mathieson added: "Electrifying all transport in Scotland - domestic, public and commercial - will significantly help Scotland towards its climate change targets. We're about to start work on a multi-billion pound investment in our electricity networks, providing the essential infrastructure needed to enable this change and ensure all communities benefit on the road to Net Zero.
"Working with our partners, this new guide will equip fleet operators with the tools they need to start working towards their own decarbonisation targets. We have already helped a number of companies, including First Bus, Stagecoach and Lothian buses, to decarbonise their fleet and we stand ready to help others on their journey."
According to a Transport Scotland report on decarbonising the Scottish transport sector published in September last year, the main policy outcomes necessary to meet Scotland’s climate targets include ending the sale of fossil fuel powered buses in 2025 and starting a retrofit program for older buses to install zero-emission powertrains.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here