Costain delivering energy storage systems where grid can’t support MSA charging infrastructure

Costain has confirmed it is working with National Highways to deliver a multi-million pound investment in energy storage systems to support the roll out of high-powered charging infrastructure at motorway service areas where the electricity grid cannot be easily upgraded.

The initiative will help National Highways meet the government aim that all motorway service areas will have at least six high-powered, open access charge points by the end of 2023.

During 2022 Costain supported National Highways with a procurement process that has seen leading renewable energy company Ameresco appointed to deliver the energy storage systems at seven motorway service areas where the grid supply is not sufficient for high-powered charging infrastructure.

Costain will now continue to support the project during the construction phase and is working on further projects with National Highways to help meet its 2030 target for using renewable electricity to power its operations.

Rob Middleton, Costain’s lead on the project, said, “Costain has worked in a ‘one team’ model with colleagues from National Highways, providing a range of services across technical, procurement, commercial and health & safety disciplines to support this crucial procurement. This will help deliver UK Government targets for EV charging, and will improve road users’ lives by making it quicker and easier to recharge their electric cars”.

Costain’s highways director Simon Ellison said, “The transition to Net Zero represents an enormous challenge for all of Costain’s clients and the entire country. With projects like this, Costain is demonstrating how we are helping National Highways deliver the innovative solutions that are required to drive the transition to zero emissions mobility”.