Brussels government calls for projects to expand electric charging network

The Brussels government launched a call for projects on Thursday to boost the roll-out of charging stations for electric vehicles, Bruzz reports. All owners of private car parks in Brussels have an opportunity to gain a subsidy, subject to a few conditions.

To be eligible for a subsidy, the charging stations must run on green electricity, be available to the public and be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, according to minister for climate transition, environment and energy Alain Maron.

By 2035, the government wants to install 22,000 publicly accessible charging points. The call for projects that is now being launched - under the name Low Emission Mobility - is aimed at the development of charging infrastructure away from roads. The intention is that the public space is occupied as little as possible by the expanded charging network.

As the installation of charging infrastructure means that the electrical capacity of the grid must be strengthened and therefore entails costs, the Brussels government is prepared to meet up to 50% of the investment necessary. In addition to car park owners, the call for projects is also open to taxi companies and logistics service providers, because the electrification of the fleet of these sectors plays an important role in the energy transition of the Brussels region, says the Maron cabinet.

The government is making €500,000 available for these subsidies this year. Applications can be submitted until 15 July. Maron points out that the federal government has already decided to grant tax benefits to those who install charging stations.

Anyone who has questions about the installation of charging stations can contact a new 'charging infrastructure facilitator' in Brussels.