Charging hub for electric vehicles on public lamp posts
Charging hub for electric vehicles on public lamp posts
Sibelga, which manages the gas and electricity distribution networks in Brussels, continues to innovate to bring about the energy transition. Electric mobility is a crucial challenge in this regard. In this context, Sibelga has recently completed the installation of three charging hubs for electric vehicles (EVs) on public lamp posts, a project that stands out thanks to its innovative character and significant impact.
An innovative project
Sibelga rolled out this solution following successful pilot projects in Uccle and Woluwe-Saint-Pierre. This year, three new sites have been equipped with EV charging points by the concession holder Energydrive: on Avenue Colombie (6 charging points), Avenue A. Depage (12 charging points) and Avenue Montjoie (4 charging points).
A charging hub is a dedicated space that groups together multiple charging points for electric vehicles. Using public lamp posts to install the charging points, Sibelga has minimised the required space on the road, giving more room to pedestrians and helping relieve congestion in public spaces. These installations centralise the charging points in specific areas, thereby making access easier and reducing disruption to public roads.
Technical and logistical challenges
A number of challenges had to be overcome in order to realise this project. The installation of the charging points needed to be coordinated with the renovation of the public lighting, to minimise costs and the need to open up the roads. The innovative design of the Energydrive charging points was realised in close collaboration with Sibelga, and was crucial to the success of the project.
Choosing locations and working together
The locations were selected taking into account criteria such as whether lamp posts needed to be renewed and the proximity of parking spaces. Thanks to a fruitful collaboration with Brussels Environment, Brussels Mobility, Brugel, the VUB and the office of the Minister for Mobility, the municipalities of Uccle and the City of Brussels enthusiastically supported these projects, recognising their benefits for urban mobility and the quality of life of citizens. The project was particularly well received at the ULB, and initial feedback on the installed hubs is positive, with regular use.
Objectives and future prospects
The Brussels-Capital Region has set itself the target of rolling out 22,000 charging points by 2035. Sibelga is responsible for coordinating the charging points on the public roads to ensure that this target is effectively met. Currently, one in two Brussels residents has access to a charging point within 150 metres of their home. By equipping the public space with charging solutions for EVs on public lamp posts, Sibelga is facilitating sustainable mobility while minimising the impact on roads. Charging hubs on lamp posts reduce through-traffic and free up space for pedestrians, thereby helping to ensure harmonious coexistence between the various users of the urban space. Similar projects are currently being studied for 2025-2026 in several other municipalities.
