Energy giant looks to the future of tourism in a net zero world
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Electric powered tours of Scotland could cause a tenfold increase in demand on the electricity network in some of Scotland’s most popular destinations, a new report has warned.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) E-tourism report looked at the impact of tourists' electric vehicles (EVs) on local network infrastructure.
While much of the existing research around EVs has focused on commuter journeys, SSEN's report was designed to help prepare the network in and around popular destinations and routes in northern Scotland as electric vehicles become increasingly popular.
E-tourism focused on the years 2028 and 2032 for eight destinations and travel routes, including Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and the Isle of Skye. For each of these locations, tourist numbers and travel behaviour were forecasted in order to predict EV charging demand throughout both years and inform the testing of cost-effective solutions.
E-tourism forecasted significant increases in electricity demand from EVs over the summer months in 2032, which would have to be prepared for through network reinforcement or implementing smart solutions.
For several of the destinations examined in 2032, peak electricity demand from EVs in the summer was several times more, sometimes up to a ten-fold increase, than the peak winter demand. The increased electricity demand from EVs was also forecasted to result in several locations likely experiencing network constraints in 2028 and many experiencing lengthier and more severe constraints in 2032 if no action is taken.
SSEN will now work with local communities and business groups to advance solutions to address potential network constraints, such as expanding network capacity, implementing a "park, charge and ride", portable charging facilities, or delivering innovative local flexible solutions.
The learnings from E-tourism will also be shared with other tourist hotspots across the UK to prepare for a cost-effective transition to net zero and ensure EV infrastructure is tourist-ready.
SSEN managing director Colin Nicol said: “One of the challenges is preparing for EVs and the impact of fluctuating populations and demand on our network. SSEN and other network operators are working to understand how shifting demand on the electricity network can be managed and met in a cost-effective manner.
“We are undertaking this work today to ensure local communities remain resilient and are prepared for the future. By supporting the creation of EV-ready tourist areas we are providing solutions to improve network resilience, reassurance to local communities and EV drivers, and creating benefits for local communities.”
Scotland's cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity Michael Matheson said: “I welcome this vital analysis from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks as part of the wider work underway through our EV strategic Partnership.
“For the benefits that EVs can bring to drivers and the environment, the shift to zero emission vehicles is an inevitability. The task now is to ensure that Scotland is well positioned to meet the demands on our electricity networks and to maximise the economic opportunities afforded by the transition to a net-zero economy.
“We’ve invested over £30 million in ChargePlace Scotland which now has almost 1500 publicly available charge points and have provided financial support to install over 3,500 domestic and 400 workplace charge points. Using a case study approach, the E-Tourism project is helping us to understand the potential impact that seasonal EV tourism might have on local electricity networks, in both rural and urban areas, and to identify innovative and cost-effective solutions to manage this.”
E-tourism is part of the £7.5 million strategic EV Partnership that was set up between the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland, SSEN and Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) which seeks to ensure a smooth journey for EV users through the transition to a net zero economy.
