Aviva (working with Solus) commissioned REDUCE LIMITED to assess electrification constraints and opportunities across five accident repair centre sites, and to define an actionable pathway aligned to a net zero by 2030 ambition (with a 90% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from a 2019 baseline). The work focused on practical delivery: understanding current supply limits, identifying upgrade pathways, and sequencing no-regret enabling works alongside longer-lead grid and planning activities.

Challenge

Solus’ operational energy profile includes substantial electrical loads (workshop and building services) and significant gas consumption, principally for space heating and gas-heated paint curing processes. Electrification of these thermal loads is central to meeting 2030 targets, but delivery is constrained by three typical barriers:

• Grid capacity and demand peak constraints, varying materially by site.
• Programme uncertainty driven by Distribution Network Operator (DNO) lead times and the need for clear decisions on preferred upgrade routes.
• Landlord engagement requirements at some leased sites, where permission and communication channels must be navigated carefully before grid applications can proceed.

Two specific sensitivities were present within the programme:

• Coventry requires a grid connection solution to be progressed before its core electrification pathway can be finalised.
• Two of the four example sites highlighted for near-term progression are not currently able to move into grid application activity due to unresolved landlord communication and access/permission processes. This is not a technical failing; it is a commercial and stakeholder management constraint that requires a structured, low-friction approach.

Outcomes to Date

Although the programme is still in progress and certain grid/permission steps remain outstanding, the project has delivered immediate value:

• Reduced uncertainty by translating net zero ambition into site-specific, sequenced actions.
• Created a consistent framework that can be rolled out beyond the initial five sites as Solus scales towards a wider portfolio.
• Identified where technical design can proceed now versus where stakeholder permissions are the critical path.
• Positioned Coventry and the landlord-constrained sites so that, once permissions and connection routes are confirmed, delivery can accelerate without rework.

Lessons Learned

• Data quality and peak demand visibility are essential enablers. Sub-metering and monitoring directly influence the cost and feasibility of electrification and the sizing of any PV/BESS solution.
• Grid constraints and permissions must be managed as parallel critical paths. Treating landlord engagement and DNO engagement as early workstreams prevents later programme stalls.
• A phased approach protects momentum. Sites can progress through enabling works even when final grid outcomes are pending, provided the actions selected are genuinely no-regret.

Our Approach

REDUCE LIMITED delivered a structured, site-by-site assessment methodology intended to reduce uncertainty quickly and provide Aviva/Solus with decision-grade outputs:

1. Supply capacity and constraints assessment

Review of existing electrical infrastructure, import capacity, peak demand behaviour (where data exists), and constraints likely to limit electrification.

2. Upgrade pathway definition

For each site, identification of:

• Maximum feasible electrification without supply upgrades (including operational controls).
• At least two grid capacity expansion routes (where relevant), including anticipated dependencies and typical DNO requirements.
• Demand management options to manage peak import (load shifting, controls, and battery storage as an enabler rather than a default).

3. On-site renewables integration options

Assessment of the role of on-site PV (primarily rooftop where viable), with consideration of future optimisation measures such as battery energy storage (BESS) and (where site geometry allows) solar carports.

4. Programme and sequencing

A phased delivery plan to align enabling works with longer-lead grid and planning activities, supporting rapid progress without creating abortive capital spend.

The project produced the following practical deliverables across the five sites:

• A clear electrification readiness position for each site, identifying limiting factors and the next best action to unlock progress.
• A phased roadmap structured around: Phase 1 – immediate enabling works (no-regret actions); Phase 2 – core electrification measures and deployable rooftop solar; Phase 3 – larger optimisation measures such as BESS and (where suitable) solar carports.
• Defined dependencies and decision points, separating technical design tasks from stakeholder/permission tasks so that both can progress in parallel.

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