West Northamptonshire Council has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AeroGrid, a UK-founded drone charging start-up, to allow the tech company to ‘begin exploring the council’s property portfolio for suitable sites to place drone charging infrastructure’.
The start-up chose West Northamptonshire specifically ‘due to close proximity to a number of current and proposed fulfilment and logistics centres’, which it anticipates will become a focal point for drone deliveries in the near future.
AeroGrid cited the region’s proximity to the proposed Amazon fulfilment centre at SEGRO Logistics Park as a key consideration when identifying drone charging locations.
The agreement outlines that West Northamptonshire Council is “open to exploring the possibility of AeroGrid utilising its properties and land for the placement and operation of drone charging infrastructure”.
According to AeroGrid, the potential locations where drone charging infrastructure could be placed include the rooftops of council-owned buildings, as well fields and open spaces owned by the council.
Leon Emirali, founder and CEO of AeroGrid, commented: “This is a really exciting partnership with West Northamptonshire Council and to bring sustainable drone charging infrastructure to the region.
“West Northamptonshire is full of opportunity to become a leading hub of commercial drone transport and we envisage huge opportunities for growth in the region.”
AeroGrid claims that it’s presence in West Northamptonshire could result in ‘a number of jobs being created, including maintenance, operations and site management roles, whilst also contributing to the region’s ambitions to embrace innovative, sustainable technologies’.
Speaking on the agreement, Cllr Daniel Lister, cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “West Northamptonshire Council is pleased to explore this opportunity with AeroGrid.
“This agreement aligns with our commitment to sustainable growth and innovation, ensuring West Northamptonshire is at the forefront of technological advancements that bring tangible benefits to our residents and economy.”
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