European bus operators secure renewable energy for fleet electrification

Public transport operators in Belgium and the Netherlands are implementing new energy strategies to support the electrification of their bus fleets.

In Belgium, De Lijn has entered into its first joint virtual Power Purchase Agreement (vPPA) through the Vlaams Energiebedrijf. Starting in 2027, the agreement will secure a portion of Belgian onshore wind energy production for ten years. De Lijn aims to link 8.08 GWh of its annual electricity needs to this wind energy, representing approximately 17.8% of the total 45.5 GWh annual production volume under the agreement. This move is intended to provide cost predictability and reduce vulnerability to market fluctuations as the company works to electrify approximately 3,600 buses and 138 depots.

In the Netherlands, Keolis Nederland and Energiehub Zeewolde have signed an agreement to facilitate emission-free bus transport in Almere by 2028. The partnership involves the delivery of green electricity and the connection of a new charging and storage facility near the border of Almere and Zeewolde. To support approximately 80 electric buses and bypass local grid congestion, the facility will utilize the private electricity network of Energiehub Zeewolde, ensuring sufficient capacity without relying solely on the regular public grid.