How to prepare for the energy transition: a guide for gas stations

The energy transition is a fact. The world is moving towards a more sustainable future, and with it, the way we move and consume energy is changing. One of the main trends being observed in this sense is the transition from gasoline and diesel vehicles to electric vehicles and other more sustainable forms of transportation. According to the International Electric Vehicle Association (IEVA), around 50,000 electric vehicles were sold worldwide in 2011. In 2020, the sale of electric vehicles reached 3.2 million, representing a 6,400% increase in the sale of electric vehicles over the last 10 years.

In this context, gas stations must adapt to the new times to remain relevant in the future. In this article, we present a guide on how to prepare for the energy transition in the gas station sector.

Offering charging options for electric vehicles

One of the main ways gas stations can prepare for the energy transition is by offering charging options for electric vehicles. The demand for electric vehicles is increasing, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), in 2020, the market share of electric vehicles in total global car sales was 4.2%, compared to 0.02% in 2010.

As the market share of electric vehicles worldwide increases, making their demand grow, there is also the need for places to charge them. Gas stations can offer a convenient solution for this need by installing electric vehicle chargers on their premises, as they are usually located in strategic places, close to roads, and in urban areas, which makes them very accessible for electric vehicle drivers. Therefore, installing electric vehicle charging stations at gas stations would allow drivers to charge their vehicles more conveniently and easily. This will not only attract electric vehicle owners, but it can also generate new sources of income.

Providing alternative fuel options

In addition to electric vehicles, there are also other more sustainable forms of transportation that are gaining popularity, such as natural gas and hydrogen vehicles. Many customers are opting for cleaner and more sustainable vehicles. For this reason, the implementation of alternative fuel options at gas stations will be driven by growing consumer demand and government regulators. More and more countries and cities are setting goals and regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote the adoption of cleaner vehicles. Therefore, gas stations that offer alternative fuel options are better positioned to meet this growing demand and comply with government regulations.

Gas stations can prepare for the energy transition by providing alternative fuel options at their facilities. This may require investments in new technologies and changes to the gas station facilities, but in the long run, it can help gas stations stay relevant in a world transitioning to more sustainable forms of transportation.

Implementing energy efficiency measures

Another way gas stations can prepare for the energy transition is by implementing energy efficiency measures at their facilities. This can include the installation of solar panels to produce their own energy, as well as the implementation of energy efficiency technologies to reduce energy consumption. By doing so, gas stations will not only reduce their carbon footprint but will also be able to save money on long-term energy costs.

Overall, it is estimated that a gas station can save between 20% and 40% of its electric energy costs by installing solar panels. This is because solar panels generate electrical energy free from solar radiation, which reduces the amount of energy the gas station needs to buy from the electrical grid.

In addition to saving on electric energy costs, the installation of solar panels can provide other benefits for gas stations, such as reducing their carbon footprint and improving their brand image by demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and the environment.

Diversifying the range of services

In a world where the demand for fossil fuels is decreasing, gas stations can also prepare for the energy transition by diversifying the range of services they provide. Diversifying the range of services at gas stations is an increasingly popular trend in the fuel and energy industry. Gas station owners have discovered that they can not only sell fuel but also offer a wide range of services to attract more customers and increase their income.

For example, they can offer maintenance services for electric vehicles, as well as the sale of products and accessories related to sustainable mobility. By doing so, gas stations can attract a wider audience and establish themselves as leaders in an evolving market. In short, there are many options for gas stations to diversify their service offerings and increase their profits.

The energy transition is a fact that is changing the way we move and consume energy. To remain relevant in the future, gas stations must adapt to the new times. As we reviewed, gas stations can prepare for the energy transition by offering charging options for electric vehicles, providing alternative fuel options, implementing energy efficiency measures, and diversifying their range of services. If gas stations can adapt and evolve, they can remain relevant in a world transitioning towards more sustainable forms of transportation and energy.

At Hacsys, we understand that the fossil fuel industry is undergoing a process of change toward a more sustainable and diversified energy matrix. With our experience in TMS software development and consulting services, we can help transform a regular gas station into a multimodal service station.

Our TMS volumetric control software allows for the integrated management of different types of fuels and real-time monitoring of fuel volume and quality, ensuring safety and efficiency in fuel handling. Additionally, our consulting team can assist in the energy transition of a gas station by proposing innovative and customized solutions to optimize energy efficiency and reduce operating costs.

We are committed to the energy transition and ensure that each gas station can operate to the highest safety and efficiency standards while contributing to a more sustainable and diversified future.

Contact us today to learn more about our services!