The European Union has set the ambitious target of getting 14% of energy in the transport sector from fully renewable sources by 2030. The RED II (Renewable Energy Directive) thereby obliges European member states to make their fuels greener. To help Belgian companies meet this target, the government has launched a new system: e-credits. And these credits are also interesting for owners of charging stations!

What are e-credits?

E-credits is a type of unit of value introduced by the government to make the fuel sector more sustainable. For every kWh charged through a charging station, one e-credit is reciprocated. The e-credits were thus created to support green and sustainable transport and lower barriers for businesses.

E-credits give financial boost to charging stations

By using e-credits, companies investing in charging stations can receive  an additional revenue stream Any charge point with a capacity above 50 kW, or any charging hub with a combined charging capacity of at least 50 kW, can generate e-credits that can be sold on a virtual marketplace. A company with a large charging hub can recover up to several thousand euros per year simply by selling these energy units. Companies that were previously hesitant due to high initial costs are therefore more encouraged to invest in charging infrastructure on their premises.

The concept of e-credits has already been implemented in several countries and has proven effective in stimulating investments in charging infrastructure. In Belgium, including among STROOHM-Pluginvest customers, we are seeing the same results. A widespread network of charge points makes it easier and more attractive for the general public to switch to electric vehicles, contributing to the rollout of zero-emission mobility, a reduction in CO₂ emissions, improved air quality, and all the other benefits that come with this transition.

Besides the environmental benefits, this system also promotes technological innovations and cooperation between different sectors, such as the energy and automotive industries. Therefore, the use of e-credits not only encourages the adoption of electric vehicles by consumers, but also contributes to greater economic and environmental benefits.

How do e-credits work?

Conditions to benefit from e-credits

To qualify for e-credits in Belgium, a minimum charging capacity of 50 kW is required. This corresponds, for example, to at least three 22 kW charge points. The charge points must also be MID-certified to ensure accurate and compliant energy measurement. All charge points in our range are MID-certified. These charge points must also all be installed at a single location in order to be eligible.

How much profit can the e-credits generate ?

The value of the e-credits is linked to the amount of electricity consumed by the charging station. The exact price per e-credit is determined by the market and can fluctuate. For companies with a charging site or charging stations that collectively provide around 50 kW, it can save as much as 10-15% on charging costs!

How can Pluginvest support us with this?

E-credits can offer an additional revenue stream for companies that own charging stations. Pluginvest can take care of the entire e-credits process for your company so that your company can concentrate on its core business. This will completely relieve you from A to Z and simplify the process as a whole.

The proces works as follows: 

• Collect data: Pluginvest automatically extracts the consumed kWh from the charging stations.
• Conversion to e-credits: The collected kWh data is converted into e-credits
• Selling the e-credits: Pluginvest sells the e-credits on behalf of the company through a specialised 'trader'.
• Proceeds per e-credit: The price per e-credit depends on the market and can fluctuate, similar to the stock market.

This system provides a stable, additional source of revenue, making it attractive for companies to invest in charging stations.

E-credits are a great way to create a more sustainable transport sector. They not only provide a solution to environmental problems, but also create new opportunities for companies to benefit financially from sustainable investments. By participating in this system, companies are taking a step towards a greener future.

Need more info or getting started with e-credits?  Contact us   and we will be happy to help you.