Regional Government boosts electric mobility through concession of charging stations
The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism stressed today that the implementation of a network of fast charging stations for electric mobility is "a further step" to meet the "European commitments undertaken by the Region to reinforce the weight of renewable and endogenous energy sources in the energy production system."
Marta Guerreiro spoke in Ponta Delgada at the signing ceremony of the contracts for the concession of the Operation of Fast Charging Stations for Electric Mobility, whose 16 of the 26 lots were now awarded. This procedure will be followed by "the launch of the second phase of the tender for the acquisition, assembly and maintenance of the fast charging stations granted in the first phase."
The Secretary for Energy pointed out that the Regional Government will sign contracts with municipal councils for the operation of the "10 lots excluded from the tender due to non-compliance with the specific requirements or «insufficient number of applications."
In February, the Regional Government launched the public tender for the concession of 26 charging stations, covering all municipalities of the archipelago and safeguarding the balanced coverage of all islands. Moreover, it will meet the needs of population groups living far from urban centres, considering commuting movements and tourism flows.
"Electric mobility is a priority strategy within the regional policies towards economic and environmental improvements. It will allow the Azorean population to move safely, comfortably and at low cost, while playing an active role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere," added Marta Guerreiro.
For the Regional Secretary, it is important that everyone be "aware of the positive impacts of electric vehicles on the operation of the regional electricity system as well as of the potential synergy with the production of electricity from renewable and endogenous sources." As she also emphasised, this makes electric mobility the "most effective way to promote sustainability in land transport sector, without the use of fossil fuels."
"Taking into account that the daily movements in the Region are relatively small over the increasing autonomy of electric vehicle batteries and the technological evolution in the sector, the Azores will stand out in the context of European island spaces regarding electric mobility solutions," noted Marta Guerreiro.
"These efforts are being carried out under the Azores Electric Mobility Plan, which is in public consultation until November 20," stated the government official, According to her, this is a "structuring document" with regard to public policies "aimed at the mass expansion of electric vehicles," said the Regional Secretary.
Marta Guerreiro also stated that the Regional Government "is preparing a system of financial incentives in the form of non-refundable subsidies as well as fiscal incentives in order to foster the adoption of electric mobility."