An innovative low carbon transport hub has been opened in Castleview Stirling, with the project being designed and constructed by FES Support Services on behalf of Stirling Council.

The Castleview Low Carbon Transport Hub is the second project in the A9 Electrification Scheme delivered by FES Support Services and plays a part in the Scottish Government plan to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2045.

The hub consists of 6 overhead solar canopies consisting of 864 x Sunpower 320W Solar Modules, 132 car parking spaces, a battery storage system, and 64 charging points.

The solar canopies are expected to generate 210,000kWh annually through low-cost, renewable energy for on-site electrical vehicle charging and street lighting.

There are six additional rapid (43/50kW) charger points, 18 additional fast (22kW) charger points, and 40 additional slow (7kW) charger points. The battery system consists of a Tesla Powerpack, with a storage capacity of 446kWh, 30% of the daily peak renewable energy generated, and discharges at a rate that will allow all car chargers on site to be in use concurrently.

The solar canopies are expected to generate 210,000kWh annually through low-cost, renewable energy

The hub will allow easy access to Stirling town centre and the M9 for electric car drivers with a crossing from the site and an improved active travel plan for site users.

The project received more than £1m funding through Transport Scotland’s Low Carbon Travel and Transport (LCTT) Challenge Fund, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

This funding was made up of more than £600,000 from ERDF and over £400,000 from Transport Scotland.

FES Support Services Ltd director Charlie Easton said: “The hub is the second project in the A9 Electrification Scheme designed and delivered by FES Support Services Ltd, demonstrating our commitment to delivering a carbon neutral future.”

Scottish Government Transport Minister Graeme Dey said: “The Castleview Low Carbon Transport Hub demonstrates the strength of ambition Stirling Council has in tackling the climate emergency and promoting sustainable travel.”

Convener of Stirling Council’s Environment and Housing Committee Councillor Jim Thomson said: “Castleview Low Carbon Transport Hub will generate roughly 250,000kWh annually, providing commuters, residents and visitors with increased opportunities for active and low carbon travel.”

Minister for Transport Graeme Dey said: “The Castleview Low Carbon Transport Hub demonstrates the strength of ambition Stirling Council has in tackling the climate emergency and promoting sustainable travel.”

Stirling Council’s environment and housing convener Councillor Jim Thomson said: “Castleview Low Carbon Transport Hub will generate roughly 250,000kWh annually, providing commuters, residents and visitors with increased opportunities for active and low carbon travel.

“With the electricity produced being used to power onsite buildings, car park lighting as well as charge vehicles, this is a massive step forward in our aims to meet our climate change targets and encourage more sustainable modes of transport.”