GLADSTONE Ports Corporation has introduced electric vehicles to its fleet at the port.
The three new cars are part of a pilot project intending to reduce emissions and vehicle operation costs.
GPC plans to use them for travel between its port operations and office sites.
GPC CEO Craig Haymes said the pilot program was another step in the right direction towards a more sustainable operation as GPC works to reduce its carbon emissions.
“GPC is doing its part to adopt new technology and renewable energy sources that support our ability to operate more sustainably,” Mr Haymes said.
“Though this is a pilot program, over time we will build an in-depth understanding about how electric vehicles could play a part in reducing GPC’s overall emission’s profile and how we can incorporate them into our broader fleet program,” he said.
Two Kia Niros and one Renault Kangoo van will operate from GPC’s office in Gladstone.
GPC executive general manager for ESG Richard Haward said industry has a role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“A typical electric vehicle, charged using the average Australian electricity grid mix, generates about 40% fewer emissions of carbon dioxide per kilometre, compared with the emissions from an equivalent internal combustion engine vehicle,” Mr Haward said.
GPC plans to keep running costs to a minimum, with the vehicle charging stations supplemented by the organisation’s existing 20 kilowatt rooftop solar system at the office site.
“Charging the cars with a renewable resource helps to lower emissions even further, helping offset emissions from the grid,” Mr Haward said.
Mr Haward said the pilot program was part of GPC’s commitment to working towards a sustainable future through the organisation’s sustainability strategy.
He noted the Gladstone region is “on the verge of unprecedented opportunity” to capture growing market demand for renewable energies.
