Freight research in the Midlands suggests a transport and energy Super Hub to meet demand.

Midlands Connect is developing innovative solutions to plan for the future of freight and economic development in the region and further afield.

Work is underway to improve the understanding of the ‘true nature’ of freight flows and operations, and to examine the relationship between supply chains and regional prosperity.

In the current climate where tech advances are happening at speed, many freight operators are already making decisions on future fuelling plans and modal shifts. 

Sub-national Transport Body, Midlands Connect, is using data modelling and industry engagement to map and plan for the challenges and aspirations of the industry and identify future demand for refuelling. 

Jason Copper, Strategy Sponsor at Midlands Connect, said:

"The Midlands region already has a high density of warehousing and freight operations. As the industry decarbonises, one of the key opportunities is a change of energy use from diesel to alternative fuels.

"We are working with many private and public sector partners in the region, on the concept of a superhub. This will support the uptake of a range of zero carbon options coupled with renewable energy generation to further reduce emissions. 

"By strengthening our understanding of what the future industry looks like, we can ensure our local authority partners and our regional and national infrastructure is ready to meet the demands."

As part of the work, a land use and development log for the Midlands has been created and tracked alongside population growth data, as well as information from 131 gateways across Britain, including 77 seaports, 36 airports, and 18 rail freight terminals.

Currently, HGVs are able to refuel at publicly available filling stations and use privately owned fuel tanks located at their headquarters to start their journey.

Overcoming concerns around the practicalities of alternative fuels and reducing ‘range anxiety’ is key to enabling the decarbonisation of the sector.

A Super Hub would be a nationally significant site capable of meeting demand for recharging and refuelling facilities for freight. 

Midlands Connect is hosting a Centre of Excellence Freight Week 2025 from Monday 9th June to Friday 13th June with an online conference, webinars for partners and a series of social media activities to share more details on the work.