Aegis Energy has secured a site and a grid connection at the former Littlebrook Power Station in Dartford.
Located 1.4 miles from the Dartford Crossing, Aegis Energy said the site sits at one of the UK’s most critical road freight interchanges.
Purchased from FTSE100 logistics real estate investor and manager Tritax Big Box, and partner Bericote Properties, Aegis Energy plans to develop the site into a clean energy hub for commercial fleets to supply the M25 and beyond.
Dartford was chosen as a gateway for freight travelling between London, the Midlands and continental Europe via the Port of Dover, as the only motorway-grade crossing of the River Thames East of London.
10’s of thousands of vehicles pass the junction daily, making the location a critical link in the UK’s logistics network.
Once fully operational, the hub aims to drive a reduction in carbon emissions.
By replacing diesel with EV charging and clean fuels, the site targets tailpipe CO2 emission cuts of 60% to 70% and 85% to 100%, respectively.
Each hub will offer bookable, high-speed electric charging alongside multi-energy alternatives, including Bio-CNG and HVO.
The sites are designed to accommodate both heavy trucks and vans, with space for dozens of vehicles to refuel or recharge simultaneously.
Alongside parking, the hub will provide driver welfare facilities with toilets, rest areas and food services designed to support those working long hours on the road and in the business park.
Aegis Energy will begin preparing and submitting a planning application for the hub, during which they will engage with residents, businesses, the local council, and other stakeholders to ensure community perspectives are reflected in the project’s development.
Michael Shaw, CEO of Aegis Energy, said: “Decarbonising commercial transport depends on infrastructure being built at locations that serve everyday operator demand, and Dartford is one of the most strategically important freight links in the country.
“Every day, thousands of vans and HGVs pass through this corridor moving goods between London, the Midlands and continental Europe.
“If we want fleets to switch to cleaner vehicles at scale, the infrastructure has to sit exactly where those journeys happen.
“Securing this site allows us to do just that, placing reliable charging and low-carbon fuels right on one of the busiest logistics routes in the country.”
Charlie Withers, director of development at Tritax Big Box REIT plc, added: “We are pleased to complete the sale of this Dartford site to Aegis Energy.
“As the logistics sector evolves alongside the transition to lower-carbon transport, sites located on major freight corridors are increasingly well placed to support new forms of infrastructure.
“This transaction reflects our commitment to supporting developments that contribute to more sustainable supply chains.
“Through our responsible investment approach, we aim to create long-term value for investors, occupiers and the communities surrounding our assets.”
Lord Deben, chair of the Council for Net Zero Transport and former Environment Secretary, said: “Britain has made enormous progress in decarbonising cars, but commercial transport remains one of the biggest challenges.
“Projects like this are exactly what we need; practical infrastructure that gives hauliers and fleet operators the confidence to move away from fossil fuels while keeping our economy moving.”
