Western Power Distribution (WPD), the electricity distribution network operator for Cornwall, has announced that it has signed up to the United Nations’ Race to Zero campaign – the largest ever global alliance committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest. As part of WPD’s commitment to net zero, at least five locations across Cornwall will benefit from funding to support green energy schemes.
With its Race to Zero pledge, WPD has committed to go even further and faster and become a carbon neutral business by 2028 – 22 years ahead of the UK Government and UN’s targets.
Investment totalling £4.5 million will take place at various sites across Cornwall, including Truro, Newquay, Fraddon, Bodmin and St Austell.
The investment will increase network capacity and allow for greater demand on the electricity network, from new technologies like electric vehicles and heat pumps, as well as for the connection of new generation, from sources such as wind and solar. Network improvements also increase resilience, resulting in fewer and shorter power cuts.
The following schemes are planned for Cornwall:
- At Truro, one of WPD’s largest investment schemes will involve a £2 million equipment upgrade that will increase capacity by 30 megawatts
- At the Victoria substation, near Bodmin, a new substation will be installed close to the A30;
- The 132kV overhead line between Indian Queens substation and Fraddon substation will be upgraded;
- At Penwinnick Road, St Austell, the 11kV will be upgraded by improvement works to overhead lines and underground cables;
- At Newquay Trevemper substation, the 11kV network will be upgraded by replacing or installing new underground cables;
- A second 33kV underground cable circuit and a new transformer and switchgear will be installed at Newquay Trencreek primary substation.
WPD Chief Executive Phil Swift said: “WPD has always been an innovator in the industry, and I am pleased to confirm that we have pledged the strongest net zero commitment announced by any network operator so far. Our innovation programme is working on the latest energy network technologies and techniques to help achieve the government’s net zero ambitions. I am looking forward to continuing our work to ensure a greener future not only for WPD, but for the communities we serve.”