18 June 2024

Alfen and TEC sign substations contract to electrify Walloon public transport buses

  • 2-year framework agreement can be renewed annually up to 6 times
  • Customised walk-in stations delivered for about 50 fast e-bus charging locations
  • Complex large-scale project will supply electricity for TEC’s electric buses

18 June 2024, the Netherlands – Leading the way towards greener transport in Europe, energy specialist Alfen has secured a double-digit million-euro contract to deliver customised medium voltage walk-in substations for Belgian public transport company TEC, which provides bus, tram and metro services in the Walloon region. This project, delivered by Alfen Belgium, will enhance electrifying passenger bus fleets in the Walloon region. 

In the 2-year framework agreement, which can be renewed annually up to 6 times, Alfen will deliver customised walk-in substations for about 50 fast electric bus charging locations for TEC. The substations in this complex large-scale project will support TEC’s electrification efforts in public transport in Belgium’s Walloon region by supplying reliable electricity to charging infrastructure for electric buses. This capability is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enabling sustainable urban mobility. 

“As an EV charge point manufacturer for 16 years, Alfen is proud to support electric mobility with its long expertise in grid solutions, too,” says Yves Vercammen, Country Manager for Alfen Belgium. “Our smart and compact engineered design for this public tender project stood out between the other designs. Alfen is well known for designing complex and tailored-made substations like these. And with this turnkey project including all the electric installations and the civil works, we’re proving that Alfen is much more than a supplier of concrete substations. We’re a system integrator for MV substations, unburdening customers from A to Z.” 

The walk-in substations Alfen designs for the Netherlands and Belgium are integral parts of the electrical distribution system. They step down high-voltage electricity from the transmission network to lower voltages suitable for local distribution. 

The substations use transformers, medium voltage equipment and protective devices to manage and distribute power efficiently and safely. 

After an extensive design phase, Alfen will start production. 

Alfen TEC framework agreement e-bus pantograph

About Alfen

At the heart of Europe’s energy transition from fossil-based to zero carbon to limit climate change by 2050, Alfen specialises in energy solutions for the future. Its integrated smart solutions are helping customers throughout Europe address their electricity challenges and achieve climate neutrality. Alfen continuously builds on its more than 85 years of innovation with its smart grids, energy storage systems and EV charging stations installed in some 30 countries throughout Europe. 

Alfen’s smart grid solutions offer standardised connection systems, transformer substations, local power grids, devices for grid automation, and software for remote management and grid control. Alfen also builds privately-owned electricity grids for companies like greenhouse horticulturalists, industrial companies, and solar park contractors.

Alfen’s rich history of building transformer substations started in the 1960s in the Netherlands. 

About Alfen Belgium

Alfen expanded its presence to Belgium in 2007 initially offering transformer substations and turn-key grid solutions. Today Alfen offers its complete portfolio of products and services to Belgian customers to support the electricity grid of the future. 

Alfen has delivered over 51,600 transformer substations throughout the Netherlands and Belgium.

About TEC

As public transport operator in the Walloon Region, TEC – the abbreviation for ‘Public Transport’ in French – is one of the key players in mobility and in economic, social and sustainable development in Belgium. 

With 5,700 employees, TEC is a high commitment company, in which all its members share a joint project: to continuously improve the performance, harmony and sustainability of the public transport it provides.