De Lijn has ordered charging stations worth 24.2 million euros from SPIE-Ekoenergetyka.
This order is an important step in the preparation of depots for the deployment of electric buses in the coming years.
The order is part of the framework agreement from November 2023, which provides for a maximum of 1,600 charging points over an 8-year period.
In the first batch, 403 charging stations were ordered from SPIE-Ekoenergetyka and ABB.
The framework agreement included additional sub-orders after a mini-competition between SPIE-Ekoenergetyka and ABB, with the assignment going to a single supplier.
Ultimately, De Lijn entrusted this second sub-order to SPIE-Ekoenergetyka.
“By 2035, we aim to offer completely emission-free public transport. That is why De Lijn has been exclusively purchasing electric buses for several years,” says Ann Schoubs, CEO of De Lijn.
“To charge these buses, we need to ensure enough electricity and charging points at our 50 depots. This order of charging stations will ensure that we can charge all our e-buses,” she adds.
“If we want to contribute to better air quality through public transport, De Lijn must also invest in the necessary charging infrastructure for e-buses,” says Annick De Ridder, Minister of Mobility, Public Works, Ports, and Sport.
She continues: “We are pleased to provide 24.2 million euros from the Flemish government to carry out these less visible investments.”
Specifically, the second sub-order consists of a range of 600 to 900 charging stations with a capacity of 50 to 180 kilowatts.
The allocation of charging stations per depot will be based on the electrification of the depots.
“We are proud to continue actively contributing to the electrification of buses in Belgium and for the trust that De Lijn has shown in us with this order. Decarbonising public transport is one of the major challenges in building a more sustainable world and is one of our priorities within our Infrastructure division,” says Pascal Lekeu, Managing Director of SPIE Belgium.
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