On Friday Bob Seely MP met with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) to discuss the role of electric vehicles (EVs) in accelerating a green recovery and investment to boost resilience on the Island. SSEN is calling on the UK Government to commit to full decarbonisation of cars and vans in corporate fleets by 2030, a target SSEN has already adopted.

SSEN has invested over £3m in boosting the Isle of Wight's electricity network resilience in the last three years, with a view to 'future-proofing' the network for changing customer demands. UK electricity demand is projected to double by 2050 and SSEN is committed to ensuring its infrastructure is ready for new, clean technologies, such as EVs on the Isle of Wight, and to deliver Bob Seely MP's Vision for the Island.

Mr Seely's vision sets out that the Island should develop a smart grid that can empower households and businesses. SSEN is currently undertaking a number of trials to better understand the transition to a smarter energy system and the visit provided an opportunity for the network operator to update Mr Seely on progress.

This summer SSEN published Accelerating a Green Recovery, calling for the Government to build the world's most extensive EV charging network by 2025. To deliver this SSEN argued that the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles should be brought forward to 2030, and has called for the UK Government to set a target for the full decarbonisation of cars and vans in corporate fleet by 2030.

SSEN is leading by example and has committed, as part of SSE Group, to decarbonising 3,500 vehicles by 2030. Mr Seely had the opportunity on the visit to see one of the electric vans that is already in action.

Bob Seely MP said:

"The Isle of Wight is perfectly positioned to be a leader in the transition to net zero. This will require industry, government and households working together to secure a cost-effective transition, that takes advantage of the capabilities of low-carbon and smart technologies."

"I welcome the leadership SSEN is showing in preparing the network and decarbonising its fleet, and hope other companies follow suit."

Ian Drummond, SSEN's Head of Region said:

"It was fantastic to host Bob Seely MP, and discuss our investment to support changing electricity demand on the Isle of Wight. We are committed to transitioning to a smarter, flexible energy system that can accommodate the Isle of Wight's net zero ambitions. Meeting with Bob was a great opportunity to discuss our progress and ways this could be accelerated in the coming years, to realise his Island Vision."

Find out more about Bob Seely MP's Island Vision at: www.islandvision.uk.

Find out more about SSEN's proposals to Accelerate a Green Recovery here.