UK Power Networks Debuts Eco-Friendly Generators Aimed at Reducing Carbon and Noise

UK Power Networks, the electricity distribution operator serving the South East, East of England, and London, is rolling out a new fleet of nine hybrid battery and engine-powered generators aimed at delivering cleaner and quieter power during maintenance work.

These next-generation generators, developed in collaboration with Aquafuel Research, are designed to charge during the day when ambient noise levels are higher. By operating silently at night, they not only cut down on noise pollution but also reduce carbon emissions, airborne particulates, and the reliance on diesel fuel.

The impact is significant. Compared to traditional diesel generators, these hybrid units slash carbon dioxide emissions by 71 per cent and reduce fuel use by the same margin. According to the company, this initial deployment could cut around 68 tonnes of CO2 each year.

There are three versions of the new generator in play, tailored to different needs. The 12kVA unit with a 30kWh battery can power two homes for up to three days without consuming a single drop of diesel. A larger 60kVA version with the same battery size can support five houses for a full day. Meanwhile, a smaller 6kVA unit with a 12kWh battery is designed for individual properties or even traffic light systems.

Gary Marjoram, UK Power Networks’ Hybrid Battery-Engines Project Lead, says, “The biggest impact will be on customer service because, in the occasional event of a power cut, we can restore power to homes using a cleaner and quieter temporary power source.

“Our new hybrid generators demonstrate our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and customer service. Combining engine and battery units on a single, compact trailer has created a greener, efficient, and versatile power supply during essential network maintenance.”

Paul Day, CEO of Aquafuel Research, comments, “We’re proud to work with UK Power Networks on these bespoke new hybrid generator designs, which optimise fuel consumption and reduce pollution and engine noise. UK Power Networks is leading the industry in partnering with us to develop these unique integrated hybrids, incorporating our British-made batteries, software, and controls. Crucially, these were developed with the UK Power Networks operations teams who are at the sharp end of responding to faults and keeping the power on for customers. The single-trailer design simplifies transportation and refuelling and means they’re easy to use whenever they’re needed.”

These innovations stem from UK Power Networks’ earlier Cleaner Engines project, which explored the use of alternative fuels in hybrid generators. It’s all part of the company’s broader Environmental Action Plan to reduce the environmental footprint of temporary generators used during outages or scheduled works.

UK Power Networks has already taken a leadership role in climate action. It was the first distribution network operator in Great Britain to receive validation from the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) for its carbon reduction goals. These targets were recently tightened to align with a 1.5°C pathway for its direct emissions, and a "well below 2°C" target for emissions across its supply chain. The firm is also pursuing a longer-term ambition to reach net zero by 2040.

Separately, as part of its RIIO-ED2 business plan, the company has committed to achieving net-zero emissions for its directly controlled operations by 2028. It also plans to cut nitrogen oxide emissions from its vehicle fleet and generators by 33 per cent before the end of 2030.