Moving towards a greener and more sustainable future, the European Commission is set to invest €1 billion in the deployment of alternative fuels supply infrastructure. This funding falls under the Connecting Europe Facility – Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) and aims to support road, maritime, inland waterway, and air transport infrastructure along the trans-European transport network (TEN-T).
Driving Change on the Roads
The road network will see a substantial boost with support for high-power electricity recharging stations and hydrogen refuelling stations. Additionally, the funding will contribute to the development of megawatt recharging stations tailored for Heavy Duty Vehicles (HDVs). This initiative aligns with the European Commission’s commitment to facilitating sustainable urban city transport.
Taking Flight in Airports
Airports will not be left behind in the push for cleaner energy solutions. The funding will provide support for the establishment of electricity and hydrogen supply infrastructure, promoting the adoption of eco-friendly practices within the aviation sector.
Seafaring into the Future
For the first time, ports are included in the funding scope, marking a crucial step forward. Ports will receive support for electricity and hydrogen supply infrastructure. What’s noteworthy is the inclusion of ammonia and methanol bunkering facilities, signaling a diversified approach to alternative fuels in maritime transport.
Commissioner for Transport, Adina Vălean, expressed the significance of this initiative, stating, “The increasing number of applications for the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility confirms the relevance of this funding tool for the European transport sector.” Vălean encourages Member States, especially those in Eastern and Southern Europe, to capitalize on this opportunity to bridge the gap in the substantial investments required for a sustainable and accessible electric vehicle infrastructure.
AFIF’s Second Phase (2024-2025)
The second phase of AFIF, spanning from 2024 to 2025, focuses on establishing accessible electric recharging points and hydrogen refuelling stations along the European Union’s primary transport corridors and hubs. This aligns with the objectives outlined in the new Regulation for the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure (AFIR), emphasizing the importance of publicly available recharging points. Furthermore, it complements the goals of ReFuelEU aviation and FuelEU maritime.
Interested parties can submit their proposals before any of the three cut-off dates: 24 September 2024, 11 June 2025, and 17 December 2025. This presents a unique opportunity for stakeholders to actively contribute to the expansion of alternative fuels infrastructure, fostering a sustainable and eco-friendly transportation landscape.
Source:European Commission
