Caroline Lucas praises substation’s renewable energy efforts

Dr Lucas visited a main substation, operated by UK Power Networks, that recently underwent a £1.2 million upgrade to deliver safe and reliable power supplies to thousands of homes, businesses, schools and hospitals.

In addition to upgrading the traditional infrastructure in Brighton, the company is innovating to create a smart, flexible electricity network which is responsive to changing needs as more people plug in electric vehicles, install solar panels, store and sell low carbon energy.

UK Power Networks has connected renewable energy to its electricity networks equivalent to two Hinkley Point C nuclear power stations and saved energy generators, such as wind and solar farms, £76 million on the costs of connecting to the network by offering flexible connections.

Caroline Lucas MP said: “It was great to have a tour of the main electrical substation in Brighton and to see the recent £1.2 million investment in the Brighton electricity network. I was pleased to hear the work UK Power Networks is doing to help support renewable energy generation and electric vehicles on the network, to achieve a decarbonised and decentralised energy system.”

Mark Adolphus, director of connections at UK Power Networks, said: “We welcomed the opportunity to meet with one of Britain’s foremost environmental politicians to share the work we are doing to develop a smart, flexible grid that supports low carbon technologies.

“Our networks enable people to make green lifestyle choices, whether that is connecting an electric car, installing solar panels or selling their own power while continuing to keep down the costs of delivering reliable electricity to millions of homes. As society moves away from centralised, fossil-fuel based power stations to thousands of smaller generators who are consuming and exporting intermittent electricity, it’s crucial we continue adapting to meet people’s changing needs.”