Harwell Campus is to switch to a smart grid to cope with power demands as the park expands.
An agreement has been reached with energy infrastructure business SNRG, to design, fund and operate a smart grid, which is intended to boost efficiency, reliability and renewable integration.
The two million sq ft of new space planned at Harwell through its £300 million investment plan will triple the amount of lab and manufacturing space available and the smart grid is considered central to the growth.
The first buildings to be connected to the smart grid will operate from November 2025, with the smart grid roll out taking place over the next five years.
Dan Pagella, senior director of asset management at Harwell Campus, said: “Harwell is home to some of the world’s most advanced science and technology research organisations and it’s vital that we’re able to provide the sustainable infrastructure they need to succeed.
“Energy costs, capacity and carbon reduction are critical issues for our campus members and the SNRG smart grid addresses all three.
“This pioneering technology allows us to expand sustainably and at pace, while offering our members lower-cost, lower-carbon electricity. It’s an important step forward for Harwell and for the UK’s wider science and innovation economy.”
Shane Hussain, chief executive of SNRG, said: “Grid connection challenges are increasingly a barrier to growth across the country, and we are committed to providing solutions that unlock capacity, accelerate delivery and lower costs.
“By designing, funding and operating smart grids that combine AI optimisation, onsite generation and long-term infrastructure backing, we’re enabling landmark projects like Harwell to expand sustainably while delivering real benefits to tenants and the wider UK economy.”
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