Key partnership facts
Key partnership facts
Overview
The St Ives Park & Ride Smart Energy Grid and Solar carport project is a pioneering clean energy demonstrator, delivered by Equans in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC).
The project integrates a 1MWp solar PV array mounted on purpose designed and built structures over existing car parking with multiple EV charging bays, underpinned by advanced digital controls and export links to the local electrical distribution network.
This system provides flexible, locally generated energy to the site and enables the provision of grid services, while supporting the council’s net zero ambitions.
The project seeks to overcome challenges that include grid capacity constraints, new business models for financing complex energy projects, increasing the deployment of renewable energy and storage systems, as well as supporting the transition to electric vehicles.
Our work
Our innovative solution comprises a 1MW solar carport system, in which solar arrays are affixed to a structure above the parking spaces, allowing cars to park beneath. The power generated by the solar PV system powers the EV chargers including one accessible PAC compliant charger with a designated disabled bay, supports the site’s infrastructure and in the future will either be stored in a battery system or sold to local businesses via a smart grid solution. The project also includes next-generation electric vehicle chargers, ultra-efficient LED lighting and automatic controls and an integrated energy management system to manage power flows efficiently as well as advanced metering infrastructure.
The advanced grid controls and energy management system enable efficient balancing of energy production and consumption on-site while providing valuable flexibility to the wider local grid. Designed with future scalability in mind, this solution serves as a replicable model for other transport and municipal facilities aiming to advance their sustainability performance and net zero goals.
A key feature of our solution is the integration of our EV charging GeniePoint Software Platform, a market-leading back-office system, that manages one of the largest EV charging networks in the UK and provides robust functionality for both drivers and network operators. The platform delivers accurate, reliable real-time data, enabling network operators to effectively manage operations and drivers to easily access and use charging services, keeping them on the move.
Impact
The project delivers multiple long‑term revenue streams while significantly reducing carbon emissions and helping to improve local air quality. In addition, it supports local economic growth by creating a future‑ready energy infrastructure that benefits both the community and the wider region.
Testimonials
“We’re committed to becoming a net zero county by 2045, so it’s great to see innovative projects like the St Ives Smart Energy Grid deliver some of the renewable energy we need right here on our own Park & Ride site. The solar powered grid has already saved over 110 tonnes of CO2e since it started producing renewable energy whilst powering the site and exporting electricity to the national grid - raising revenue that is being used to fund vital council services. Now drivers can choose to charge their electric vehicles from the renewable energy generated on site quickly and easily - with the tap of a card - whenever they Park & Ride.”
Councillor Ros Hathorn, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Environment & Green Investment Committee
"The St Ives Park & Ride Smart Energy Grid represents a significant step forward in the integration of renewable energy, storage prospects, and electric vehicle infrastructure within public transport facilities. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and our EV charging GeniePoint Software Platform, we are delivering a seamless, flexible, and future-ready solution that not only supports Cambridgeshire’s Net Zero ambitions but also enhances the day-to-day experience for local communities and EV drivers alike. This project exemplifies Equans’ commitment to driving the energy transition through innovation and strong collaborative partnerships."
Gregory Allouis, Energy Solutions Director at Equans UK & Ireland
Our expertise
Equans supports businesses, communities and the public sector by mobilising its expertise to provide low-carbon energy solutions, offer cutting-edge technical and FM services and transformative regeneration across the UK & Ireland.
