Midlands Connect to investigate decarbonising its canal network

Sub-national transport body Midlands Connect has announced plans for a network of electric chargepoints along canals in its region within the next 20 years.

 The organisation is researching the sustainable potential of narrowboats, which often use the Worcester and Birmingham Canal, Droitwich Canals and Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal.

Electric narrowboating is currently a niche proposition with only a few pilot trials, but Midlands Connect Engine believes electric-powered boats could become more ubiquitous.

Mains chargers are currently limited to marinas and some permanent moorings but forecasts suggest that by 2040 an effective network of charging points will be required along the canal network.

Midlands Connect’s head of new technologies, Bharat Pathania said, “All forms of transport are evolving to become more sustainable, and this will include our canals. Our aim is to identify the building blocks that need to be in place to affect positive influence on the decarbonisation of our canals. 

“Securing a future where diesel or solid fuel sources are no longer the norm will boost the air quality for boaters and everyone using these important waterways.”

Midlands Connect says first steps will be to map the location of existing charges on the canal network and then look at what might be needed in the future. The work will also identify mechanisms through which the infrastructure could be funded.