Expansion of network of EV charging stations in Belarus encourages adoption of electric transport

MINSK, 19 October (BelTA) – The expansion of the network of electric vehicle charging stations in Belarus encourages the adoption of electric transport. Aleksei Nikitenko, Head of the Promising Energy Technologies Office of the Belarusian industrial group Belorusneft, made the relevant statement during the science-to-practice conference on reality and perspectives of electric transport on the sidelines of the 27th Belarusian energy and ecology forum Energy Expo, BelTA has learned.

Aleksei Nikitenko said: “Electric transport is our future. The question is how soon it will come. We understand it and we prepared solutions concerning the infrastructure and the legislation in advance in order to make a network of electric vehicle charging stations operational in good time. Electric vehicles are projected to constitute every fifth vehicle sold across the world in 2023. The trend in favor of reducing the vehicle charging time is also obvious. Belorusneft's network of charging stations is designed for 20,000 electric vehicles at present. There are about 7,000 registered vehicles with green plates [electric vehicles] in the country at present. The number does not include hybrids, which can also be charged. So, we estimate the total number at 12,000-14,000 at present. Our infrastructure has allowed consumers to see that they can use this transport.”

Belorusneft's representative also shared future plans. “By 2030 the number of superfast charging complexes in the country will reach 86. I want you to understand that it is a complete substitute of a refueling station that has the same throughput capacity with one proviso. Each of these complexes will be enhanced to meet the growing demand,” the executive said.

The Belarusian industrial group Belorusneft was founded in 1966. The company specializes in exploration, prospecting, and development of oil fields, well drilling, extraction of oil and associated petroleum gas in Belarus. Belorusneft also runs oil industry operations in other countries. Belorusneft is also the company in charge of setting up and operating a chain of electric vehicle charging stations in Belarus.

The Belarusian energy and ecology forum Energy Expo is one of the largest specialized exhibition events. It is organized every year with a view to developing the innovation potential of the fuel and energy complex. The forum brings together industry-specific organizations and leading producers of equipment and technologies for power engineering industry and allied trades. This year they traditionally present innovative projects and cutting-edge solutions for electric energy industry, gas industry, energy- and resource-saving technologies, digital development, and ecology.