Vattenfall IDNO and SmOp Cleantech help electrify the world's first industrial-sized, carbon-neutral laundry

Vattenfall IDNO, working alongside the Independent Connection Provider, SmOp Cleantech, have recently energized a new electrical grid connection for a pioneering industrial laundry plant, Big Blue by Oxwash in Swindon.

The project involved the delivery of a new 11kV point of connection to power Oxwash’s flagship facility, Big Blue I in Swindon, which is the world's first industrial-sized, carbon-neutral laundry. Stretching across 20,000 square feet, the site is entirely run on renewable energy and biogas. As the first carbon-neutral laundry facility to have EN 14065 accreditation the project reinforces Oxwash’ position as an industry leader, setting a benchmark for others to follow.

The Oxwash Big Blue I laundry facility

As a B Corp, Oxwash are committed to making laundry more sustainable. Their Swindon operation is completely carbon-neutral, including the entire process from packaging to power for their electric vans and e-cargo bikes. Their wet cleaning techniques drastically reduce water and energy use and also filter out plastic microfibres, setting them apart from traditional dry cleaners that rely on harmful chemicals like 'Perc', which are banned in several countries.

The contestable works for the new connection were complete by SmOp Cleantech and Vattenfall IDNO have adopted the new connection assets including a 1 MVA 11kV/LV Substation and enclosure (transformer and ancillaries), LV Metering and LV cables.

Stewart Dawson, Managing Director at Vattenfall IDNO said:

We are proud to support Oxwash with their Big Blue project. We urgently need to electrify as many of the UK’s industrial processes as possible in order to reduce carbon emissions and drive rapid progress towards net zero. The Oxwash carbon neutral project demonstrates how achievable it is to switch away from fossil fuels to clean power and we congratulate them for taking this bold step to create the world’s first carbon-neutral laundry. We have a great working relationship with SmOp Cleantech and look forward to adopting more of their projects and driving UK electrification forward together.

Stephen Alabi, Lead Project Engineer, at SmOp Cleantech, said:

Delivering the 11kV grid connection for Big Blue I was a simple project for us, but it’s a great example of how industry can drive sustainability. This project demonstrates what’s possible when business commits to carbon neutrality. It’s been a privilege to help power Big Blue I and to be part of setting a benchmark for the sustainability of large-scale industry in the UK.

Dr. Kyle C. Grant-Talbot, Founder & CEO, Oxwash Ltd said:

The delivery of the 11kV point of connection by SmOp, which is being adopted by Vattenfall, is a critical milestone for Big Blue I, enabling us to power the world’s first industrial-sized, carbon-neutral laundry entirely on renewable energy and biogas. The collaboration has been excellent, allowing us to scale our mission and our laundry business without compromising our planet. At 20,000 square feet, Big Blue I sets a new standard for industrial operations - carbon neutrality at this scale is not only achievable but essential if we are to reach net zero in time.

The Oxwash project is one of several electrification projects that Vattenfall IDNO are working on in collaboration with SmOp Cleantech.