High power charging network | TotalEnergies
The rapidly growing fleet of electric vehicles
To address the charging needs for the rapidly growing fleet of electric vehicles in Belgium, TotalEnergies is rolling out a dense network of fast charging points. These include 50-300kW high power charging stations.
The realization of such a network is a complex matter. It’s exactly the kind of energy transition projects in which the multidisciplinary HOP team gained extensive experience. HOP supports TotalEnergies to expand and develop the public electric vehicle charging station network of the city of Antwerp and numerous other locations in Flanders and Wallonia. These projects involve both entirely new charging stations and the installation of additional chargers in parking lots at shopping centers. HOP takes on project initiation and conception and manages execution.
Greatest impact during project initiation
For sure, paying attention to all the details during the initiation phase has a great impact on how smoothly a project proceeds during the execution phase. The more complex a project, the more important a proper initiation.
A feasibility study quickly provides an understanding of opportunities, risks and budgets. It maps the site's potential with a first concept drawing. For TotalEnergies, HOP executes technical feasibility studies and public inquiry for all targeted locations to identify initial risks. Those insights allow TotalEnergies to decide on a go no-go for a specific location. When the project gets a go, the scope can be clearly outlined.
Obtaining permits and tendering – the concept phase
The feasibility study is followed by the permitting phase. Therefore, HOP coordinates with the local authorities and the distribution grid operator. Based on these discussions, the development plan is further detailed in order to apply for an environmental permit and grid study as soon as possible. By coordinating well in advance, the optimal plan can be developed and no time is lost during the permitting process.
During the permit waiting period, HOP prepares the bidding documents for the electrical works and follows up on the documentation for the civil works. Together with TotalEnergies, the bids are analyzed so that everything is ready to start execution as soon as the environmental permit is obtained.
Drive execution
At the end of the concept phase, project management is set up and coordination of all stakeholders is outlined. The latter is very important to ensure fast and efficient progress of the projects. HOP takes on a coordinating role in this phase, keeping track of progress, cost control, contract execution and HSEQ management.
HOP ensures that the momentum is maintained by proactively intervening on issues that could potentially slow things down. As such HOP really drives project execution. At the end of execution, an as-built certificate is issued and maintenance and service contracts negotiated.