Inside Schneider Electric's US$59m Scarborough Smart Plant

Great Britain's electricity needs are anticipated to rise up to 15% by 2030 and 40% by 2035 according to the National Energy System Operator.

Following a £42m (US$56.8m) investment, Schneider Electric has officially opened its new state-of-the-art smart plant in Scarborough, North Yorkshire.

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, says: "Schneider Electric is backing our vision for a greener York and North Yorkshire with this investment in its Scarborough base. 

“The opportunities afforded by this larger site will help keep more of our talented young people and skilled workers on the coast. 

“This is a moment I’ve been looking forward to, having followed this project from its early stages to its official opening today. 

“It shows the confidence businesses have about our commitment to clean energy. 

“This new state-of-the-art facility will produce the electrical equipment we need, putting our region at the heart of the UK’s transition to cleaner energy.” 

What is Schneider Electric’s plant?

The plant is designed to support long-term growth, with the aim to produce the electrical equipment needed for the UKs advancements towards clean energy.

The 16,500 square metre facility will allow UK based customers to visit the site and collaborate directly with product designers and engineers, with the aim to ensure products meet their needs before moving into production.

This manufacturing being based in the UK aims to create faster, more flexible delivery of engineering solutions created solely for the use of UK projects. 

To coincide with the project, 30 EV chargers are set to be based on the site, increasing EV charging by more than 100% in the local area.

The factory is net zero in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, using modern technology to reduce energy waste management and maximise the use of renewable energy.

Around 30% of the renewable energy used will come from the site's own advanced solar energy system. 

Kelly Becker, President at Schneider Electric, UK & Ireland, Belgium & Netherlands, says: “UK manufacturing is the backbone of the nation’s infrastructure drive. 

“With electricity demand set to hit new heights, our Scarborough site – rooted in Yorkshire expertise – gives us the scale and agility to respond quickly to market changes and support the UK’s energy transition and beyond. 

“By expanding our local footprint, we’re working even closer with customers to deliver a decarbonised, resilient energy system for the future.”

Clean energy in the UK

The UK Government has set out a plan to start a clean energy revolution.

Since July 2025, the country has seen more than £40bn (US$54bn) private investments into the clean energy industry, with plans to continue the momentum until 2035 reaching £30bn (US$40bn) in investment annually. 

The government aims to accelerate the build of manufacturing facilities in the UK for key parts such as floating offshore platforms, electric cables and hydrogen infrastructure. 

With the Clean Industry Bonus, the government aims to financially reward offshore wind developers by investing in  homegrown, cleaner supply chains, with the hopes to expand the initiatives into other sectors like hydrogen and onshore wind. 

Schneider Electric’s plant will play a part in this move by building resilience in the nation's electrical infrastructure and reducing exposure to global supply chain shocks.

In turn, the factory will reduce coast and carbon emissions for the UK by making shorter transport and logistics routes.

Ed Miliband, UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, says: “This is fantastic news for people in Scarborough who will be benefiting from skilled jobs and ongoing training because of this brand-new facility.

“Our clean power mission is already driving investment and growth, providing opportunities for people right here in North Yorkshire. 

“It comes ahead of our Clean Energy Workforce Strategy, which will help create high quality jobs across the country.” 

An affordable and efficient electricity system

The reformation of the energy market aims to support working people, families and businesses with access to cheaper and efficient energy systems.

Besides environmental impact, the government reports that UK citizens have suffered from uncertainties due to high energy bills and the move to clean energy aims to resolve these issues through homegrown power.

Ed says: “Building clean power at pace and scale is the only way to get Britain off the rollercoaster of fossil fuel markets and protect families and businesses for good.

“As we embark on this new era of clean electricity, a reformed system of national pricing is the best way to deliver an electricity system that is fairer, more affordable and more secure, at less risk to vital investment in clean energy than other alternatives."

Kelly said on LinkedIn: "This facility represents our commitment to working alongside our customers, investing in our workforce and building a more sustainable future, together."