Energy specialist ENGIE is providing back office operations to Wales’ Dragon Charging Network
ENGIE has been working alongside Silverstone Green Energy to roll out the first nationwide public charging network across Wales.
The Dragon Charging Network is a white label partner for ENGIE with the GeniePoint Platform chosen to provide full operational and management facilities including 24/7 customer support for any driver using the network.
The GeniePoint Platform back office system is completely interoperable, so existing GeniePoint Network drivers can use the Dragon Charging Network, and other linked EV charging networks, without having to re-register and vice versa.
GeniePoint will also provide driver access functionality via the Dragon website – www.dragoncharging.co.uk (also available in Welsh at www.gwefrudragon.co.uk). Drivers also have the option of RFID access card for low signal areas.
The Dragon Charging Network now has over 124 chargers located stretching across the country from the Severn Bridge to Pembroke and North to Aberystwyth, providing reliable EV charging facilities for electric vehicle drivers, local authorities and businesses making the switch to electric vehicles.
Andrew Mackay, Construction Project Manager, Silverstone Green Energy, says: “We chose the GeniePoint Platform as the back office provider for the Dragon Charging Network because of its proven track record of product reliability and flexibility, but equally because of the great team at ENGIE providing support, help and advice to our team and to drivers using the Dragon Charging Network”.
The Welsh Government recently published its strategy to boost the take up of electric vehicles across the country, it’s vision to have all users of electric cars and vans confident that they can access electric vehicle charging infrastructure when and where they need it by 2025. To help with the delivery of this plan, they have set aside proposed investment of £30m over five years to help with delivery.
Transport currently makes up 17% of Wales’ carbon emissions and is the third largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Wales, switching to electric powered vehicles would dramatically cut emissions and help the country achieve its target of 80% reduction of harmful emissions by 2050.
Alex Bamberg, Managing Director, ENGIE EV Solutions, said. “Our established market experience enables us to focus on joining up all aspects of electric vehicle charging to provide a clear route for easy transition to electric transport solutions. Providing seamless interoperability across multiple networks makes the easiest driver experience therefore encouraging and supporting the switch to zero carbon transport”.
The chargers on the Dragon Charging Network are owned by local authorities, community groups and commercial organisations that want to make their chargers available for public use. Many of the local authorities involved provide free parking whilst charging to further encourage changing to electric transport. ENGIE and Silverstone are continuing to expand the network as more organisations join to promote EV charging in and around their local area.
ENGIE’s wider presence in Wales includes operating Dinorwig Power Station, or ‘Electric Mountain’ as it’s known. Dinorwig Power Station is the fastest power generation facility in the UK and is a critical asset in helping to balance the electricity grid and enable the switch to renewable power. It operates like a giant battery to store energy, that can then be released to create electricity exactly when it’s needed.
About ENGIE
ENGIE is a leading energy and services company focused on three key activities: production and supply of energy, facilities management and regeneration. Our 17,000 employees combine these capabilities for the benefit of individuals, businesses and communities throughout the UK & Ireland.
Our specialist EV charging infrastructure team, ENGIE EV Solutions, provides integrated electric vehicle charging solutions for end-to-end technology for public, workplace and private sector EV charging. Our own nationwide public charging infrastructure – the GeniePoint Network, provides convenient, reliable charging facilities for EV drivers across the UK. Supported by our first class, 24/7 customer service team, GeniePoint offers a critical service on the UK’s Road to Zero.
Through all our activities, we enable customers to embrace a lower carbon, more efficient and increasingly digital world. Our customers benefit from our energy efficient and smart building solutions, the provision of effective and innovative services, the transformation of neighborhoods through regeneration projects, and the supply of reliable, flexible and renewable energy. ENGIE improves lives through better living and working environments. We help to balance performance with responsibility, enabling progress in a harmonious way.
