Aegis Energy Consults With Dartford Community On Plans For A Clean Multi-Energy Hub

Aegis Energy has announced plans to develop a multi-energy charging and refuelling hub for HGVs and vans at the Littlebrook Business Park.

The company is consulting with stakeholders and the Dartford community about the proposed hub which would provide clean energy infrastructure for commercial fleets operating on the M25 and wider South East freight network.

If approved by Dartford Borough Council, it would provide 12 HGV electric charging bays, 12 HGV charging/parking bays, 13 overnight HGV parking bays and four HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) refuelling bays, as well as high speed charging or parking for up to 50 vans. A welfare building for drivers would provide good food, calm spaces and clean bathrooms, as well as a truck wash. The proposals also include plans for up to 4,000m2 of buildings for manufacturing, logistics and warehousing to support more jobs in the area.

The site, on the former Littlebrook Power Station, is located around 1.4 miles from the Dartford Crossing, one of the UK’s most important freight routes, and the proposed hub would support operators seeking to reduce emissions while keeping goods moving efficiently. Littlebrook Business Park is also home to many businesses and logistics operators which are already using or will be transitioning to low and zero carbon fuels.

Subject to planning, the Littlebrook hub would form part of Aegis Energy’s wider programme to create an initial network of five clean, multi-energy refuelling hubs for commercial vehicles by the end of 2028. Dartford has been identified alongside four other locations including Sheffield, Warrington, Corby and Immingham – all destinations with heavy HGV truck traffic – forming part of the first phase of Aegis Energy’s network of clean energy refuelling and charging sites.

The company’s hubs are designed to support the transition from diesel to cleaner alternatives, including electric charging and HVO (a renewable synthetic diesel made from waste oils and fats), while also providing secure parking and improved driver welfare facilities.

Michael Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of Aegis Energy, said: “Littlebrook is an important location for the future of cleaner freight and logistics. Every day, thousands of vans and HGVs travel through the M25 corridor and cross the Thames at Dartford, and the infrastructure to support cleaner vehicles needs to be located where those journeys happen.

“Our proposals are about investing in practical infrastructure that can help fleets move away from fossil fuels while supporting jobs, local businesses and better facilities for drivers. We are committed to engaging openly with the local community and stakeholders as the project develops, and we want their views to help shape the plans.”

Aegis Energy is preparing a planning application for the Littlebrook site and has begun a programme of local engagement ahead of submission. The company said it wants to hear the views of residents, businesses, fleet operators, community representatives and public bodies so that feedback can help inform the design and development of the project.

Michael Shaw added: “Dartford already experiences significant pressure from traffic-related emissions associated with the M25 and Dartford Crossing. By supporting commercial fleets to transition from diesel to electric charging and lower-carbon fuels, the proposed Littlebrook hub has the potential to contribute to improved local air quality over time.

“The investment also has the potential to bring local economic benefits to Dartford by supporting jobs during its construction and when operational. It will improve facilities for drivers and strengthen Littlebrook’s role as an industry-leading logistics and clean transport location.”

Once operational, the hub would help commercial vehicle operators cut tailpipe emissions by replacing diesel with electric charging and cleaner fuels, supporting local air quality improvements and contributing to national efforts to decarbonise road transport.

The public can give their views on the proposed clean energy hub by visiting www.aegisenergy.uk/Dartford by Monday, 17 August, ahead of Aegis Energy submitting a planning application to Dartford Borough Council.