Macquarie Group has announced a significant £20 billion investment plan aimed at enhancing UK infrastructure, prominently featuring a nationwide rollout of fast-charging electric vehicle (EV) stations. This initiative was revealed by Shemara Wikramanayake, the Managing Director and CEO of the Australian financial services group.

A standout component of the investment is the collaboration with Roadchef, one of the UK’s leading motorway service area operators, which will see the installation of approximately 650 fast-charging points across its sites. These charging facilities will be partly powered by 9 MW of new solar energy capacity, marking a substantial step towards sustainable energy solutions.

This EV initiative is part of a larger £20 billion investment plan that spans multiple sectors, including:

Renewable Energy: Developing 5 GW of offshore wind projects off the coasts of Orkney and Lincolnshire, alongside solar power and battery storage initiatives.

Gas Infrastructure: Supporting the gas transmission network, which serves millions of homes and businesses across the UK.

Digital Connectivity: Upgrading infrastructure to provide ultra-fast broadband access to rural areas.

Housing Development: Investing in new residential projects in cities like Edinburgh and Birmingham.

Water Infrastructure: Building the UK’s first reservoir in 30 years and upgrading water and wastewater systems in Southeast England.

This marks a significant milestone for Macquarie, which has been active in the UK since 1989 and has supported over £60 billion in infrastructure investments. The latest commitment reflects a robust confidence in the UK’s infrastructure sector, aimed at driving sustainable growth and technological advancement throughout the nation.