Doha, Qatar – Hamad International Airport (DOH) has launched its first public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, located on the ground level of the airport’s East car park. The installation, a collaborative effort with the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA), marks a significant step towards sustainable transportation infrastructure in Qatar and supports the nation’s emissions reduction goals. The new stations are now operational for travelers and the public.
The project was announced this week and represents a commitment from both Hamad International Airport and KAHRAMAA to promote environmentally friendly practices. The initiative aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which aims to reduce the country’s carbon emissions by 25 percent. This development comes as Qatar increasingly focuses on diversifying its energy sources and embracing sustainable technologies.
Hamad International Airport Expands Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
The newly installed fast chargers can simultaneously serve two vehicles, delivering up to 50 kW of power. This allows drivers to gain approximately 125 kilometers (78 miles) of driving range in around 30 minutes, according to airport officials. This charging speed is comparable to other fast-charging networks currently available in the region.
Additionally, the charging stations are integrated with the Tarsheed Smart EV mobile application. This app, developed by KAHRAMAA, allows users to locate available charging points, monitor real-time status, remotely initiate and terminate charging sessions, and track their electricity consumption. The integration aims to provide a seamless and user-friendly experience for EV drivers.
Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
Omar Najari, Senior Vice President of Facilities Management at Hamad International Airport, emphasized the airport’s dedication to energy conservation. He stated that the partnership with KAHRAMAA demonstrates a commitment to adopting energy-efficient practices through investment in new technologies and initiatives to reduce electricity usage.
Eng. Rashid Alrahimi, Manager of Conservation and Energy Efficiency Department at KAHRAMAA, echoed this sentiment. He highlighted the organization’s focus on promoting energy efficiency and smart technologies to improve quality of life while protecting the environment. Alrahimi noted that the collaboration exemplifies a shared commitment to Qatar’s sustainable future and the development of a cleaner transportation ecosystem.
The Tarsheed program, under which this initiative falls, encourages the adoption of efficient infrastructure, including smart building devices, water-saving tools, and energy-efficient building designs. The program aims to minimize waste and enhance overall resource efficiency across various sectors in Qatar. This broader effort supports the country’s long-term sustainability objectives.
However, the availability of EV charging infrastructure remains a key factor in the wider adoption of electric vehicles. While Qatar has seen increasing interest in sustainable transport, the number of public charging stations is still relatively limited compared to other developed nations.
Hamad International Airport has already implemented several other measures to reduce its overall electricity consumption. These include optimizing district cooling plants, replacing traditional lighting with energy-efficient alternatives, and deploying smart metering systems for real-time monitoring and improved electricity management. The airport has indicated plans to further expand its EV charging station initiative in the future.
Looking ahead, Hamad International Airport and KAHRAMAA are expected to monitor the usage of the initial charging stations to assess demand and inform future expansion plans. The success of this pilot project will likely influence the rollout of additional electric vehicle infrastructure at the airport and potentially across Qatar. Further announcements regarding expansion timelines and the addition of more charging points are anticipated in the coming months, though specific deadlines remain uncertain.
Source: The Peninsula Qatar
Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA)
Hamad International Airport
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