SCOTTISH and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution is investing £2.2million in Dorset to create 7.2MW of extra capacity for low carbon technologies.

The money is part of a wider UK-wide £41million investment to support a 'green economic recovery'.

In Dorset the money will be used to finance the replacement of two kilometers of fluid cable and 0.8 kilometres of solid cable.

SSEN says this will create the potential for new electric vehicle charging sites.

Chris Burchill, managing director of SSEN Distribution, said: "We are determined to play our full part in addressing the twin challenges of the economic and social recovery from coronavirus and the impending climate emergency, where local electricity networks will play a vital role.

"Today’s investment demonstrates how collaborative action and regulatory flexibility can help us achieve this aim and power change for our customers and society.

“The green recovery scheme provides a blueprint for future agile investment in our networks in the coming years, where rapid progress will be required to keep pace with net zero.

"By undertaking £40 million in strategic network investment now, we are helping unlock innovative low-carbon projects at the right time, boosting local economies and supporting communities to achieve their net zero ambitions.”