Work to install a high-powered underground cable that will deliver electricity to the UK’s largest public EV charging hub at Oxford’s Redbridge Park & Ride has begun.
Installation of the four-mile cable, that will connect the hub to the National Grid, started on 02 August. It will hook up the Redbridge Park & Ride to Cowley substation, creating the power infrastructure needed to charge a number of EVs at once and quickly.
The works are being carried out on behalf of Energy Superhub Oxford (ESO) project lead, Pivot Power, part of EDF Renewables, and are expected to take approximately five months.
High Voltage Specialist Powersystems UK are the principal contractor for the electric works element of the project, which includes the installation of the 33 kV cables terminating into the Cowley substation and ultimately will feed the transformers for EV charging. Pegasus Utility Services have been appointed to complete the excavation works for cable installation.
Residents in the surrounding area have been informed of the upcoming work. Four teams will work simultaneously at different points on the route, with the aim of completing the works as quickly as possible with minimum disruption.
Tim Rose, programme manager for ESO at Pivot Power, said: “The start of the cable installation marks an important milestone for Energy Superhub Oxford as we work to deliver the low carbon infrastructure Oxford needs to accelerate net zero.
“With our partners, we are doing everything we can to complete these works as quickly as possible and minimise the impact they will have on the local community.”
ESO, which is expected to open in early 2022 , aims to provide Oxford residents and businesses with easy access to fast, reliable charging. A connection point will also be installed at Oxford Bus Company’s Watlington Road depot, ready to support electrification of the city’s bus fleet.
