The Wildlife Trusts is accelerating its rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure following an extensive study of site needs completed by Siemens.

The Wildlife Trusts is working to transform its estates to accommodate staff and visitor EV charging needs

The federation of nature conservation charities spans 46 different charities in different parts of the UK, which currently manage 2,300 nature reserves across the UK.

Recognising its responsibility to help tackle the climate emergency, The Wildlife Trusts is working to transform its estates to accommodate the electric charging needs of its fleet and commuting staff, while also attracting more visitors.

It’s being supported by Siemens, which donated an extensive feasibility study on charging needs, as part of its broader charity partnership.

Siemens deployed its consultants to analyse sites with different infrastructure and needs, providing guidance to help The Wildlife Trusts forecast EV charging demand and understand the number of charging points that might be needed. The guidance also recommended charging times of EV charge points and the size of solar PV installations required to help individual Wildlife Trusts meet their goals.

The phased approach will see Worcestershire Wildlife Trust become the first to begin a strategic EV charging rollout.

The site, near Worcester, expects to install 10 fast chargers by 2025, and another four by 2028 to meet the increased charging demand by 2,500 visitors annually, while also rolling out solar PV panels at the site to support increased electricity demand from EV chargers.

Rachel Hall, climate and nature-based solutions officer, at The Wildlife Trusts, said: “This transformation is the result of a huge body of work. We’re extremely grateful that Siemens has given us a clearly defined plan of what our organisation needs to do to deliver our ambitious vision.”

The assessment by Siemens also advised on requirements to balance the load of electricity taken from the grid against what is generated on site, cabling capacity, roof suitability for solar PV installations, considerations for contractors, and any unforeseen costs such as connection upgrades. In addition, the report provided a guide for the next steps and potential financing and funding options to deliver this transformation.

Joy Aloor, head of Siemens’ PTI consulting & energy business advisory, commented: “Organisations the size of The Wildlife Trusts can rarely take a plug-and-play approach to EV charging implementation. Getting the right energy tariff, installing cabling, balancing energy loads, securing financing and forecasting demand represents only a few of the considerations for owners of large estates.

“As part of our broader work together, we are proud to support The Wildlife Trusts in navigating the energy requirements for its EV charging rollout and delighted to see this strategic vision is now taking shape.”