Scotland Secures Over £1M for HGV Decarbonisation Efforts

Welcome, Net Zero News readers,

In a significant step towards achieving net-zero ambitions, Scotland is set to receive a substantial boost in its efforts to decarbonise heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). More than £1 million from the HGV Market Readiness Fund has been earmarked for a variety of stakeholders, including HGV operators, manufacturers, financiers, and charge point operators. This funding aims to foster collaboration and identify vital investments needed to facilitate the transition to greener HGVs across the region.

The HGV Market Readiness Fund, which was launched in July, comprises two distinct strands: the SME Fleet Analysis Support and the HGV Consortium Builder. Each strand is designed to cater to different needs within the HGV sector, promoting innovation and collaboration among various players in the market.

The Consortium Builder strand, which closed for applications in August, has successfully selected eight consortia to receive funding. These consortia are set to undertake pivotal work in developing business cases aimed at securing investment for HGV decarbonisation initiatives in Scotland. Meanwhile, the SME Fleet Analysis Support funding strand remains open for applications until 9 December 2025. This initiative is particularly aimed at assisting Scotland’s smaller HGV fleets, providing them with the necessary expertise and knowledge to navigate their decarbonisation pathways effectively.

Fiona Hyslop, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, expressed her enthusiasm regarding the strong response from the sector to the HGV Market Readiness Fund. “The response from the sector to the HGV Market Readiness Fund has been strong, with innovative and high-quality consortium projects proposed,” she stated. Hyslop highlighted the importance of this funding, particularly as it coincides with Scotland’s Innovation Week and precedes Climate Week. “I am pleased to award more than £1 million to eight different consortia to support their collaborative decarbonisation efforts. These groups will work to develop business cases for investment into HGV decarbonisation in Scotland and will expand their membership to support operators of all sizes to access support to decarbonise their fleets,” she added.

The Cabinet Secretary also encouraged smaller fleet operators to take advantage of the SME Fleet Analysis Support funding. “The SME Fleet Analysis support funding strand remains open, and I strongly encourage applicants to come forward to benefit from both financial support and industry expertise to fully explore their options to decarbonise their fleets,” she urged.

Among the successful bidders is Philip Valarino, UK Director of Neot, who expressed his excitement at being selected under the HGV Consortium Builder scheme. “We are delighted to be selected by Transport Scotland under the HGV Consortium Builder scheme. This success marks an important step in our mission to accelerate the transition to zero-emission HGV fleets and supporting infrastructure,” he noted. Valarino looks forward to collaborating with the e-Motion consortium partners to create robust business cases that can unlock necessary investments and propel Scotland’s transport decarbonisation efforts forward.

Another successful bidder, Michael Shaw, Co-Founder and CEO of Aegis Energy, shared his enthusiasm for launching the Telford Consortium. “We are excited to launch the Telford Consortium with the clear aim of building an investment-ready business case that can supercharge HGV route electrification in Scotland and deliver both public-access and depot-based charging at the lowest taxpayer cost,” he remarked. Shaw emphasised that Transport Scotland is playing a crucial role in addressing the critical issues surrounding HGV electrification by synchronising fleet demand with the development of necessary infrastructure.

“It’s through collaborative initiatives like the Telford Consortium that we can help address the key barriers to HGV fleet electrification, namely cost and lack of charging sites,” Shaw explained. He underscored the importance of investing in projects that not only enable infrastructure to be developed but also ensure that electric vehicles are accessible to fleets at a reasonable price. “Transport Scotland is accelerating decarbonisation and allowing Scottish fleets to compete as market leaders in low-carbon logistics,” he concluded.

This funding initiative marks a pivotal moment in Scotland’s journey towards a more sustainable transport sector. With the support of the HGV Market Readiness Fund, numerous stakeholders are now equipped to tackle the pressing challenges of decarbonisation collaboratively. As the landscape of HGV operations continues to evolve, the emphasis on greener practices is likely to yield significant long-term benefits, not just for the environment but also for the economy.

As we move forward, the successful implementation of these projects will be closely monitored, and their outcomes will serve as valuable lessons for other regions striving to achieve similar decarbonisation goals. The commitment shown by both the Scottish Government and the various consortia involved is a testament to the urgency and importance of transitioning to a zero-emission future.

In conclusion, the HGV Market Readiness Fund is not merely a financial initiative; it embodies a collective commitment to fostering a sustainable future. The collaboration between HGV operators, industry leaders, and government bodies signals a proactive approach to tackling climate change head-on. As we stand on the cusp of a cleaner, greener transport sector, it is the partnerships forged today that will pave the way for a more sustainable tomorrow.

We invite our readers to stay tuned for further updates on the progress of these initiatives and the impact they are set to have on Scotland’s HGV sector and beyond. Together, let’s champion the cause of net-zero and support the transformation of our transport systems for a brighter future.