Equans has completed the Babraham Road Park & Ride Smart Energy Grid in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council, supporting the authority’s wider clean energy and decarbonisation ambitions.
The system is fully operational and integrates renewable energy generation with public EV charging infrastructure, to support low-carbon transport across the Cambridgeshire region.
The project integrates solar energy generation, EV charging and a private wire electricity network within a single transport hub, enabling locally produced renewable energy to be used on site and distributed and provided to a local NHS hospital in the locality. Over a 30 year period, the installation is expected to generate approximately 65GWh of electricity, reducing CO₂ emissions by circa 15,000 tonnes.
Construction was completed in November 2025 with Equans delivering the design and build of the smart energy grid infrastructure. This included the installation of a large-scale 2.5MWp solar PV carport, electrical systems, grid connection, a 2km private wire connection and EV charging facilities. Equans will also provide ongoing system operations and maintenance support.
The solar carport design optimises the use of space within the existing car park without reducing parking capacity, aligning with circular economy principles. Sustainability was prioritised throughout the construction phase, with initiatives including waste segregation, local recruitment, apprenticeship opportunities, and the transition to low-carbon fuels where possible.
Councillor Ros Hathorn, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Environment & Green Investment Committee, said, “This innovative partnership with Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) is setting an example of how local organisations can work together to provide important public services and reduce CO₂ emissions.
“Our new solar panels at Babraham Road Park & Ride are producing clean, green energy that now benefits motorists and our local hospital.
“We’re committed to becoming a net zero county by 2045 and these solar panels are helping us move a step closer to this target.”
Gregory Allouis, Energy Solutions Director at Equans UK & Ireland, said, “We are pleased to have partnered with Cambridgeshire County Council on this innovative project, which not only accelerates the county’s energy transition but also delivers tangible benefits for the local community.”
