Green mobility, also for our customers
We support and stimulate the transition toward a sustainable mobility system. Thanks to an extensive network of DATS 24 service stations and charging stations we make more sustainable, alternative fuels accessible to everyone.
Extensive network of electric charging points
Together with energy and mobility specialist DATS 24, Colruyt Group is building a network of charging stations for electric cars, especially in the Colruyt Lowest Prices, Okay, Bio-Planet, Dreambaby and Dreamland parking lots. This allows customers to charge their cars with Belgian green electricity while shopping. We systematically install charging stations when new shops are built or thoroughly renovated and, if technically possible, also at existing shops. By the end of 2023, 368 shop sites were equipped with charging infrastructure.
We have also decided to install charging plazas at some 50 Colruyt sites by the end of 2024, with three 150 kW fast charging stations and 2 standard charging stations, together accounting for 10 charging points. At the end of 2023, the first charging plaza opened next to Colruyt Mechelen.
electric charging stations by the end of 2023
DATS 24 service stations with CNG pump in 2023
CNG: alternative for petrol or diesel
Cars running on CNG (compressed natural gas) emit significantly fewer fine particles, nitrogen oxides and CO₂ than petrol and diesel cars. Moreover, natural gas is completely safe and can never contaminate soil or water. DATS 24 opened its first CNG station in 2011 and is the leading fuel supplier of natural gas for vehicles in Belgium. We see CNG as a transitional fuel toward electric and hydrogen mobility. DATS 24 also provides AdBlue, a mixture that reacts with exhaust gases to break down harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx), for people who still drive diesel cars.
First hydrogen filling stations for private persons
Although the technology is still under development, we believe hydrogen will play an important role in the future. Colruyt Group's ambition is to help launch the hydrogen economy in Belgium in the field of mobility. Since October 2018, Colruyt Group has been selling green hydrogen fuel to private persons through DATS 24.
- The first hydrogen filling station was built in Halle (Dassenveld), and integrated into the existing DATS 24 station. All types of conventional and alternative fuels are available at this service station, including 100% green hydrogen, produced locally with green power from our own wind turbines.
- In 2022, new hydrogen stations opened in Wilrijk and Haasrode, bringing the total to three. Together these stations sold 10 tons of hydrogen.
- In 2023, new stations opened in Ollignies, Herve and Erpe-Mere.
A network of hydrogen service stations is not an isolated story. We have been investing in innovative projects using hydrogen for logistics applications since 2004. In the coming years we will continue to invest in the hydrogen economy, which includes opening new service stations and producing green hydrogen.
