As electric vehicle sales rise, traditional petrol stations are at risk. The question is how to repurpose them effectively.
In the first half of 2023, 45,000 electric vehicles were sold in Australia, making up 8.4% of new car sales. As this shift to electric transport continues, up to 80% of existing service stations could face declining profits and possible closure.
Historical data shows there were over 25,000 petrol stations in Australia in the 1970s, but only around 7,000 remain today.
The challenges in repurposing service stations include high remediation costs (exceeding $1 million per site) and lengthy timelines (2-5 years). Nevertheless, converting these sites into housing, offices, or other ventures is still possible, even with remediation expenses.
For instance, Caltex sold 25 service station sites for $136 million in 2019. Lower-value sites may become car washes, green spaces, or walking paths.
However, some service stations still require significant remediation, with over half of the significantly contaminated sites in recent years attributed to service stations. Regulators are becoming more vigilant about site reporting, which may increase the number of derelict service stations.
Addressing contamination involves site-specific remediation, balancing budget, time, technology, and intended land use.
In rural areas, full remediation costs can be a barrier. Small communities often opt for more cost-effective transformations.
Remediation methods include in-situ and ex-situ solutions. In-situ strategies like monitored natural attenuation and in-situ chemical oxidation are cost-effective, while multiphase vacuum extraction is more aggressive but faster.
Monitoring and ongoing remediation efforts are essential to prevent future issues.
Industry experts are crucial in designing monitoring programs, recommending suitable remediation technologies, and overseeing installations.
As electric vehicles gain popularity, traditional petrol stations face challenges in repurposing their sites. However, with the right strategies and technologies, these sites can be revitalised for various purposes while effectively managing contamination risks.
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