Aegis Energy Secures £100m Investment from Quinbrook

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!
In an exciting development for the UK’s green transport infrastructure, Aegis Energy has successfully secured a remarkable £100 million in commitments from Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, a renowned global investment manager. This substantial investment marks the beginning of a transformative project aimed at constructing one of the UK’s pioneering clean, multi-energy recharging and refuelling facilities specifically designed for commercial vehicles.
The ambitious network of hubs is set to cater to the evolving needs of truck and van operators as they transition to cleaner fuels, including electric, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), hydrogen, and bio-CNG. As the energy transition accelerates, the demand for robust infrastructure is paramount. Aegis Energy has recognised that installing depot infrastructure can often be impractical or unscalable, especially in scenarios where logistics operators lease their premises or face grid constraints. Moreover, a staggering 52% of van drivers currently lack access to at-home charging, highlighting the urgent necessity for more accessible refuelling options.
Once fully operational, an average Aegis Energy site is poised to significantly reduce carbon equivalent emissions by approximately 14,300 tonnes annually. The company has ambitious plans for an initial network of five stations, which are expected to be completed by the end of 2027. The proposed locations for these stations include key areas such as Sheffield, Immingham, Warrington, Corby, and Towcester.
In addition to these initial sites, Aegis Energy has successfully secured substantial grid connections across more than five locations. Construction on the first of these stations is set to commence in 2025, with an anticipated opening in early 2026. Looking ahead, Aegis Energy envisions a broader network that could expand to as many as 30 hubs by the end of the decade, reinforcing its commitment to facilitating the transition to cleaner transport solutions.
The investment from Quinbrook marks its inaugural venture into sustainable transport, complementing its extensive portfolio of net zero transition investments across the UK, US, and Australia. Quinbrook’s previous initiatives have spanned various sectors, including solar and storage, grid support, and power solutions for energy-intensive industries, underscoring its dedication to fostering a sustainable future.
Aegis Energy’s innovative hubs are designed with versatility in mind, offering not only high-speed electric charging but also accommodating other low carbon fuels, such as HVO and AdBlue, hydrogen, and bio-CNG. Each hub will boast the capacity to charge or refuel more than 40 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and 25 vans simultaneously. Furthermore, these hubs will provide safe and secure truck parking and driver facilities, including clean toilets, showers, nutritious food options, and serene spaces for relaxation.
Christopher Thorneycroft-Smith, Co-founder at Aegis Energy, emphasised the critical role of infrastructure in facilitating the transition to cleaner fuels. He stated, “The lack of appropriate infrastructure is typically number one or two on the list of barriers for fleet operators. Building depot infrastructure can be complex, and securing grid connections is often neither easy nor cost-effective. Moreover, long-haul operations necessitate a top-up charge, and for van drivers who cannot charge at home, time is lost waiting at other locations.”
Thorneycroft-Smith continued, “The transition will take time and will vary for each fleet. However, by providing public hubs with multiple clean energy charging and refuelling options, we’re empowering operators to choose their own transition path. Quinbrook’s funding will be instrumental in ensuring that critical energy infrastructure is reliably available where our customers need it, supporting millions of vehicles in making a once-in-a-multi-generational change.”
Keith Gains, Managing Director and UK Regional Lead for Quinbrook, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the substantial opportunities that lie ahead. He remarked, “The targets set under the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle mandate underscore the existing gaps in infrastructure necessary to provide accessible clean energy to transport fleets. This presents significant opportunities for Aegis Energy to establish market-leading refuelling hubs, and we look forward to supporting its growth and expansion throughout the country.”
This initiative not only represents a monumental step towards enhancing the UK’s transport infrastructure but also aligns seamlessly with the nation’s broader commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. As we continue to navigate the complexities of the energy transition, projects like Aegis Energy’s multi-energy hubs are essential in paving the way for a sustainable future.
In conclusion, the partnership between Aegis Energy and Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners is a resounding testament to the power of collaboration in driving forward the green revolution in transport. As these hubs begin to take shape over the coming years, they will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in supporting fleet operators in their transition to cleaner fuels, ultimately contributing to the UK’s ambitious climate goals. The future of transport is clean, and with initiatives like this, we are one step closer to realising that vision.