(Evolution of the number of alternative fuel infrastructure in Belgium (source: EAFO, November 2019).

The most viable solution to help reduce our footprint, while still being able to move freely, is to adapt existing transportation infrastructures. In order to achieve this, the collective efforts of individuals and entities at various levels, both large and small are necessary. It is worth noting that addressing this challenge also presents numerous opportunities, leading to the emergence of the sustainable mobility sector as a significant business domain.

If we take Belgium as an example, most actors in the mobility sector have undertaken a comprehensive examination of the primary challenges in reducing transportation emissions. Through this evaluation, several key issues have come to the forefront. For example, the extensive use of road transportation such as  cars, trucks, or motorcycles running on gasoline or diesel fuels, which lead to strong urban congestion and therefore to an even bigger increase in fuel consumption. Another notable issue lies in the contribution of CO2 emissions from public transportation, which experiences high usage rates across the country. 

After looking into the main issues that were made clear through this evaluation, Belgium started actively pursuing solutions to reduce their emissions and address these challenges.  One of the solutions found was the promotion of electrical vehicles and integrating them into a more renewable infrastructure.

The interest of Belgians in electric vehicles is in constant and fast rise. In the beginning of 2023, already more than 100.000 cars present on Belgian roads were fully electric, in comparison to 71.000 in 2022, which shows the fast growth of the market in the country. It is expected that this number will double by the end of 2023, and should reach around 2 million by 2030. The rise of electric vehicles is also encouraging newly implemented companies active in e-mobility, such as companies specialized in charging infrastructures, batteries, and even installation companies.

There is also a trend in local governments increasingly investing towards the transition to sustainable public transportation, procuring state-of-the-art electric buses, metros, and trams, and integrating them within major urban centers. A noteworthy example is the city of Brussels, where the local administration successfully secured a €475 million loan agreement from the European Investment Bank to modernize and greenify the transportation of the region. This ambitious initiative entails the acquisition of 94 electric buses, 90 trams, and 43 metro trains, as well as the revitalization of 63 kilometers of existing tram and metro networks. 

By establishing an improved public transport network, individuals will be encouraged to lower their reliance on personal vehicles, effectively reducing traffic congestion and fostering a greener future within Belgium’s regions. This shift naturally presents a multitude of opportunities for companies operating within the green mobility sector.

Moreover, bicycles have experienced a notable surge in popularity as a mode of transportation within urban areas over the past decade. Belgium has emerged as one of the top ten countries worldwide with a substantial number of bicycle users, ranking ahead of China and following Switzerland. In 2020, a noteworthy 14.6% of Belgians opted to cycle for their daily commutes, leading to a significant increase of electric bikes. Notably, 15.6% of bike users in Belgium have already embraced electric bikes, while 41% continue to utilize traditional pedal-powered bicycles.

Big leaders in the Belgian e-bike market, such as Winther, Batavus, and Gazelle, have recognized the opportunities arising from heightened climate consciousness within citizens’ minds and have diversified their product offerings to cater to a wide range of preferences and tastes, capitalizing on the growing demand for environmentally friendly commuting options. It is reasonable to anticipate that the success of e-bikes will continue to flourish, particularly as the Belgian government implemented “bike allowances” in 2022. This progressive initiative is set to encourage a greater number of Belgian citizens to purchase bicycles and diminish their reliance on personal vehicles.

Ultimately, thanks to the efforts of the government, coupled with the evolving product portfolios of bicycle and public transport companies, and the genuine commitment demonstrated by its citizens, Belgium has a promising opportunity to significantly enhance its contribution to reducing CO2 emissions stemming from transportation.