Energy Shift Update: Extension of FIT Accreditation, Growth in CNG Heavy Vehicle Fuel Stations, and Development of Interoperable EV Payment Applications
In a significant breakthrough for electric vehicle (EV) interoperability, Zap-Map has launched a new charging payments app called Zap-Pay. This innovative service aims to address the long-standing issue of interoperability in the EV infrastructure sector, following Octopus Energy's introduction of its own EV payments service, the Electric Juice Network.
While searching for the current status of the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) accreditation scheme deadline extensions in the UK, particularly regarding hydro installations and installations with initial accreditation deadlines between March and September 2020, no recent authoritative information was found. However, historically, some deadline extensions were granted due to COVID-19 impacts. For the most current and authoritative updates, it is recommended to consult the UK government's Department for Energy Security and Net Zero or Ofgem websites.
Meanwhile, Zap-Pay has secured Engenie as its first charging network participant, with ESB EV Solutions, LiFe, Hubsta, and other charging network providers set to join in autumn this year. With Zap-Pay, EV drivers can pay for charging across different networks using a single platform, offering a convenient and streamlined experience.
The Institute for Government has published a report emphasising the need for stronger leadership and coordination from the prime minister for the UK to reach its net-zero emissions targets. In response, the government has announced measures to encourage the further development of the EV market. These include a £9 million 'try before you buy' scheme by Highways England and £12 million of funding for research and development in EV technologies.
In other renewable energy news, the Demonstrator is set to launch in October 2020, with a deadline for bids in November and awards to be granted in December. The UK government has also published a response to its consultation on FIT accreditation scheme deadline changes, providing a 12-month extension to complete commissioning and accredit under the FIT scheme for certain hydro installations and all installations with initial accreditation deadlines between March and September 2020.
In the energy supply sector, Bristol Energy's corporate customers have been sold to Yu Energy for £13.4 million, while its residential customer base has been sold to Together Energy for £14 million. Ofgem has also amended its approval for the City CNG Network Innovation Competition Project, aiming to create the first compressed natural gas commercial vehicle filling station in Leeds. The Project's completion date is now scheduled for October 2021, with the Project budget of £700,000 remaining unchanged.
Lastly, five million second-generation smart meters have now been installed in UK homes, making them fully interoperable and able to work even if a consumer switches energy suppliers. This milestone marks a significant step towards a more efficient and consumer-friendly energy market.
In the realm of finance, the government has allocated £24 million for the development of the EV market, with £9 million set aside for a 'try before you buy' scheme and an additional £12 million for research and development in EV technologies.
For those seeking an improved lifestyle, the introduction of Zap-Pay has provided a convenient solution for EV drivers, allowing them to pay for charging services across various networks using a single platform, thereby eliminating the hassle of managing multiple wallets.
