Urgent call for energy use and refuelling patterns data

This seismic shift in operations and energy use will happen in the coming decade. It requires significant strategic planning for the energy sector to deliver the right infrastructure between now and 2050, and we need to ensure the energy needs of the freight and logistics sector are well represented.

Many of you may have heard different estimates about the level of energy the sector needs. According to the Freight Energy Forum, the sector will need 32 TWh of energy in the future, this equates to 109 wind farms or nine coal fired power stations.

Our research and evidence show key hotspots across the Midlands where energy demand will be greatest. However, our data is based on publicly available sources – to really make the case for the sector we’re looking for better intelligence from the private sector.

Timing is crucial. A new consultation has just been launched by the energy sector looking at the framework for investment, giving greater focus to passenger transport rather than freight. Without better intelligence, the ambitions of the sector could be undermined by a lack of energy capacity in the right places.

We’re all aware of the importance of the Midlands region to the freight logistics sector – the central position of the region is home to the “Golden Triangle”, where more than 90% of the population can be reached within a four-hour drive. The Midlands must play a decisive role in the transition to zero-emission freight.

Shaping the future energy system for freight in the Midlands

The intelligence we collect will feed directly into the strategic planning now underway by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and Regional Energy System Planners (RESP). These bodies are strategically planning our future energy distribution systems to enable network infrastructure investment to be made ahead of need.

Decisions are being made now that will influence the UK’s energy system for decades to come and this requires a clear and informative engagement with freight operators.

NESO is aiming to publish its Transitional Regional Energy Strategic Plan in January 2026. It will be the first publication in the journey towards transforming and improving local energy infrastructure, developing bespoke plans for each of the nine English regions.

Freight and logistics: a vital economic engine

The backbone of the UK economy, freight and logistics is central to government’s plans for the future. Indeed, the sector is critical to delivering any growth in the national economy and to reaching net zero.

The freight sector faces a dual challenge: it must continue powering economic activity while transitioning away from fossil fuels. Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) account for a significant share of carbon emissions, and almost all still rely on diesel. Over the coming decades, HGVs will increasingly be powered by electricity and hydrogen.

Without the right facilities in the right locations, operators risk higher costs, operational inefficiencies, or even barriers to adopting new technology. Equally, poorly targeted investment could waste valuable resources and delay progress. This is why accurate, real-world evidence from operators is so crucial.

Building a picture of energy demand to support the sector

Midlands Connect has developed the Alternative Fuels for Freight Infrastructure (ALFFI) tool. It identifies the most effective sites for goods vehicle charging and refuelling hubs, allowing local authorities to identify where they may need to plan for future investment.

The tool has been built using publicly available data. But to make it truly representative of industry needs, input from freight and logistics providers is essential. A pilot project has shown how collaboration with operators can significantly improve accuracy, creating a stronger case for both government and private sector investment.

We know confidentiality will be a key concern for operators, and we’d welcome a conversation to share the work, see what opportunities there are to build the evidence and address the strategic question of energy infrastructure.

What’s in it for operators?

By working with Midlands Connect, operators 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.

• Contribute to an aggregated dataset that strengthens the case for investment in the right places, reducing future operating costs and improving efficiency.

The future of UK freight depends on building the right energy infrastructure now. By sharing your insights, you can ensure the Midlands, and the wider UK, is equipped to deliver a zero-emission freight system that supports growth, protects competitiveness, and secures a cleaner, more resilient future.

Join us in shaping the future of freight – contact Kuran Singh to get involved or learn more, and visit Midlands Connect – Alternative Fuels for Freight Infrastructure to register your interest.