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Alternative fuels for freight infrastructure

ALFFI - Alternative fuels for freight infrastructure, a national initiative  

As part of our work to support the freight sector, Midlands Connect has developed ALFFI – the Alternative fuels for freight infrastructure tool.  

The tool has been developed with publicly available data to show where HGV charging and refuelling hubs will be needed in the future. This network will be essential to give freight operators confidence to run green goods vehicle fleets on the road network.  

But planning the network is only part of the solution. We also need to work with NESO (National Energy  System Operator) and the RESP (Regional Energy Strategic Planning) to make sure that we are building an energy infrastructure that can support the sector's needs. Recent estimates by the Freight Energy Forum suggest the sector will need 32 TWh of energy in the future; this equates to 109 wind farms or nine coal-fired power stations.

We need help from the sector to do this.  

We want to work with operators and your data to: 

  • Obtain data that better reflects the reality of the journeys that your fleets make. 
  • Aggregate data sets to the point where operators are happy that commercial sensitivities cannot be identified, to improve the planning for the network and energy infrastructure.  

By working with Midlands Connect, you will: 

  • Gain access to a bespoke tool that highlights where their energy demand is greatest, supporting their own planning and investment decisions. 
  • Be assured of full confidentiality: all information shared will be protected by NDA, ensuring data remains commercially secure. 
  • Help to strengthen the case for investment in the right places, reducing future operating costs and improving efficiency. 

We’re happy to answer any questions operators might have. If you are interested in finding out more, please send your details to MCPolicy@midlandsconnect.uk