Smart Depots, Infrastructure Readiness and Future Fleets | Moving to Zero
About this Event
Moving to Zero – North Wales: Smart Depots, Infrastructure Readiness & Future Fleets
The transition to zero-emission commercial transport is increasingly defined not by vehicle availability, but by how quickly infrastructure can be delivered. For HGVs, utilities fleets and mixed operations, the real barriers sit across depots, grid capacity, and investment timelines.
In North Wales, where fleets operate across rural, industrial and cross-border routes, these challenges are amplified. Grid constraints and infrastructure readiness are now the critical path to decarbonisation.
This event brings together fleet operators, energy networks, charging and infrastructure providers and local stakeholders to explore how we:
- Design future-ready depots for mixed fleets
- Align project, grid and investment timelines
- Deliver real-world solutions for heavy-duty fleets, particularly HGVs
With a strong focus on HGVs and depot-based operations, the day will move beyond strategy to focus on what can be delivered now, and how we unlock pace at scale.
Agenda
🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Arrival of Delegates & Networking
Info: Registration will be open from 9am for the event. Pastries and refreshments will be served during the arrival networking session.
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:10 AM
The National Picture: Commercial Vehicle Decarbonisation in North Wales
Host: Fay Bowen | Welsh Government
Info: Fay Bowen (Welsh Government) opens the next Moving to Zero event by discussing the opportunities for commercial vehicle decarbonisation in North Wales.
🕑: 10:10 AM - 10:25 AM
Welcome & Introduction
Host: Jonathan Murray | Zemo Partnership
Info: Jonathan Murray (Zemo Partnership) will outline the objectives, agenda overview and desired outcomes from the event.
🕑: 10:25 AM - 10:35 AM
Keynote Address | Designing the Depot of the Future
Host: Naomi Nye | Drax Electric Vehicles
Info: As commercial fleets transition to zero-emission operations, the depot is becoming the critical hub where vehicles, energy and operations come together. This keynote will explore what it takes to design depots that can support electrification at scale - from integrating charging infrastructure and energy systems, to managing demand, flexibility and cost. It will also look ahead to how depots can be futureproofed for mixed fleets, accommodating battery electric, hydrogen and alternative fuel solutions as technologies evolve. With real-world insight and a systems-level perspective, this session will set out what “good” looks like for depot design, and what needs to happen now to ensure infrastructure doesn’t become the limiting factor in fleet decarbonisation.
🕑: 10:35 AM - 11:05 AM
Panel | Depot Electrification at Scale: Infrastructure, Planning and Delivery
Host: Elin Williams | SP Energy Networks
Info: As commercial fleets move from pilot projects to large-scale deployment, the depot is emerging as one of the most critical enablers of the transition. This panel will explore what it really takes to electrify depots in practice - particularly for HGVs and mixed fleets operating across complex, often constrained environments. From grid connections and charging infrastructure to site design and operational integration, panellists will share real-world experience of what works, what doesn’t, and where the biggest challenges remain. The discussion will also examine how better coordination between fleet operators, distribution network operators and local authorities can unlock faster, more efficient infrastructure delivery - turning depots from a bottleneck into a catalyst for zero-emission transport. This is a practical, delivery-focused session designed to surface lessons, highlight solutions and identify what needs to happen next to scale depot electrification across Wales.
🕑: 11:05 AM - 11:30 AM
Networking Break & Refreshments
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:10 PM
Interactive Workshop | Unlocking Infrastructure Delivery
Host: Jess Shanahan | Jet Social
Info: This facilitated, hands-on workshop is designed to move beyond discussion and into delivery, bringing together fleet operators, energy providers, investors and public sector stakeholders to tackle the real barriers to infrastructure rollout. Working in three focused breakout groups - covering grid and energy systems, finance and investment, and collaboration and delivery models - participants will explore constraints, identify opportunities and map where alignment is needed across the ecosystem. The session will culminate in a clear articulation of key barriers, stronger cross-sector connections, and the development of 2–3 delivery-ready, consortium-style project concepts to help accelerate zero-emission fleet transition through the Moving to Zero Stakeholder Group.
🕑: 12:10 PM - 01:00 PM
Networking Break & Lunch
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:15 PM
Case Study | Electrifying a Complex Fleet: Lessons from Deployment
Host: Lorna McAtear | National Grid
Info: What does fleet electrification look like when it meets the realities of day-to-day operations? In this practical case study, Lorna McAtear, Head of Fleet at National Grid, will share the journey of transitioning a complex commercial fleet to zero-emission vehicles. The session will explore real-world depot rollout, integrating charging into existing sites, managing downtime while maintaining performance, and aligning teams with new systems and ways of working. Grounded in experience, it will offer honest insights into the challenges, solutions and lessons learned when moving from pilot to scale - providing valuable takeaways for fleet operators, local authorities and infrastructure providers alike.
🕑: 01:15 PM - 01:45 PM
Panel | Powering the Transition: Grid, Energy, Flexibility & Finance
Host: Anne Buckingham | Amplify EV
Info: As fleets electrify at scale, the challenge shifts from vehicles to the systems that power them. This panel brings together experts from across energy, infrastructure and finance to explore how grid capacity, charging strategies and investment models must evolve to support zero-emission commercial fleets. From navigating connection timelines and constraints, to unlocking flexibility through smart charging, on-site generation and battery storage, the discussion will focus on how to design resilient, cost-effective energy solutions. Crucially, it will also examine how these systems can be financed, and how coordinated approaches between energy providers, fleet operators and investors can unlock the pace and scale needed for the transition.
🕑: 01:45 PM - 02:00 PM
Closing Remarks | From Plans to Projects: What Happens Next?
Host: Professor Andrew Potter | University of Cardiff
Info: Summary of the key talking points of the day and an outline of what happens next? From joining the Moving to Stakeholder group to future projects and the building of consortiums for investment.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
