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Powersystems bolsters Bristol Port green credentials with EV charging infrastructure

February 10, 2020

Powersystems are part of a nationwide team that design, install, commission and maintain electrical vehicle (EV) infrastructure to support fleet transport operators for Land, Rail and Sea at Ports and Airports.

As the preferred electrical infrastructure partner for over 25 years, Powersystems one of the UK’s leading high voltage engineering specialists have been appointed to design, supply, install, test and commission the electric vehicle charging infrastructure for The Bristol Port Company.

Bristol Port is preparing its first Air Quality Strategy which will set out long-term plans to reduce emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases within the Port Estate, helping to safeguard public health and protecting the environment.  The development of the Strategy gives Bristol Port the opportunity to build on existing environmental initiatives; to continue to make further reductions in emissions from port operations; and work in partnership with others to contribute to clean air initiatives in the wider Bristol and North Somerset area.

As part of the package of measures to contribute towards Bristol Port’s Air Quality Strategy, Bristol Port has reinforced its green credentials by investing in new electric vehicles and associated charging points.

This first stage of converting the Port fleet to electric vehicles will see four diesel fuelled Ford Connect vans replaced, with new zero emission e-NV200 Nissan vans.  This investment includes the installation of electric charging points at both Avonmouth and Portbury Docks, and new state-of-the-art air quality monitors.

Bristol Port requires additional infrastructure within their LV network to facilitate Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), which will enable charging of their new Nissan e-NV200 electric vehicles. Powersystems were tasked with the design, installation and commissioning of the required LV infrastructure and EVSE units.

Powersystems provided the solution for supplying and installing two 14.4 kVA rated dual outlets; each outlet rated at 7 kW, the required LV infrastructure to facilitate the EVSE units, civils works and the installation of a back office management system with wireless unit communications which enables Bristol Port to collate data such as how much energy is being consumed and by who.

The Port derives approximately 35% of its electricity from the three 2-megawatt wind turbines on Avonmouth Dock, and continues to take significant steps to be more energy efficient.

Anne Hayes, Environment Manager at the Port said: “The future is green for Bristol Port. The newly acquired electric vans will promote sustainable travel around the docks. The new quiet vans are fully electric and produce zero harmful emissions.

The Port is in the process of installing dedicated twin charging points at both Avonmouth and Royal Portbury Docks. We are grateful to North Somerset Council for providing contributory funding towards these charging points under the “Go Ultra Low” scheme.  This has helped us to make an essential first step in our transition to a zero emission fleet.” Anne continued to say “Joining the new vans will be two e-bikes that the Port has secured with the help of funding from Travelwest and Bristol City Council.  These pool e-bikes will provide a sustainable means for staff to travel around Avonmouth and Portbury Docks, not only helping to reduce our emissions and carbon footprint, but importantly promoting health and well-being for our employees”.

The works aren’t complete yet, Powersystems anticipate this to be complete by the end of March

Click here to learn more about the environment work at Bristol Port.

Powersystems have been engaging with and assisting the major fleet operators in the UK with their grid and infrastructure requirements as the nation moves towards decarbonised transportation.

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Powersystems are powering the transition to a carbon free future

As a high voltage specialist electrical engineering company with over 45 years (1977-2022) experience Powersystems have grown by reputation to become a trusted force in the design, installation and commissioning of electrical infrastructure across the UK.

Celebrating 25 years as the first Lloyds National Electricity Registration Scheme ‘s accredited Independent Connection Provider (ICP), Powersystems are capable of delivering contestable grid connections at voltages up to 132 kV.

Since 2000, Powersystems have connected over 6 Gigawatts of renewable energy generation to the UK electricity grid, along with decarbonisation technology which includes; wind energy projects, solar, anaerobic digestion, hydroelectric, electrical vehicle infrastructure, short term operating reserve STOR, combined heat and power (CHP), Grid stability projects like rotating stabilisers,  and battery energy storage systems (BESS) as well as commercial industrial private wire networks.

Working with partners, delivering sustainable power solutions, proudly the Powersystems high voltage specialist team have connected 27% of all U.K. onshore wind farm

At the core of the operation is a commitment to the highest values of health and safety, welfare, quality and the environment. Powersystems Integrated management systems are ISO accredited and their approach under their health and safety ‘Priority No.1’ brand is to aim for the best industry practice in all.

Powersystems UK Ltd. is an Employee-Owned Business and as such has a keen interest in the well-being of all its employees. They encourage and empower you to be imaginative, share great ideas and be involved in the success of the business.

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