The British energy market regulator Ofgem said on May 24 that it will invest US$425 million in more than 200 low-carbon infrastructure projects to prepare for more electricity transportation and heating in the UK. The investment, which will be delivered in the next two years, is part of a £40 billion investment plan that aims to ensure that the UK will switch to low-carbon transportation and heating while maintaining a safe energy supply.

The UK will ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars by 2030 as part of its goal of reducing emissions to zero by 2050. But as drivers switch from gasoline and diesel to electric, the UK’s cables, substations and other infrastructure need to undergo massive upgrades to support new electricity demand.

Ofgem said that as part of its financing plan, highway service areas and main roads across the country will get the necessary cables to install 1,800 new ultra-fast charging points for electric vehicles, which will triple the existing network.

The town will also provide support for another 1,750 charging points. Ofgem said that increased network capacity will be built to support more charging points, more renewable energy generation and more electric heating for homes and businesses. Editor/Huang Lijun