In a bold move to foster the transition to zero-emission mobility, the European Union is committing €422 million to enhance alternative fuel infrastructure across Europe. The funding will support 39 key projects designed to expand and modernize infrastructure along the trans-European transport network (TEN-T), a crucial step in achieving the EU’s sustainability goals.
The initiative, backed by the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) within the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), will target the installation of new electric recharging points, hydrogen refueling stations, and green upgrades for airports and ports, boosting Europe’s ability to support sustainable transport.
Key Investments:
- Electric Charging Infrastructure: Approximately 4,900 new recharging points will be installed—2,500 for light-duty vehicles and 2,400 for heavy-duty vehicles—along TEN-T roads, facilitating the transition to electric mobility across the continent.
- Hydrogen Refueling Stations: 35 new hydrogen stations will be established to serve cars, trucks, and buses, further advancing the shift to hydrogen-powered transportation.
- Airport Electrification: Ground handling services at 8 airports will be electrified, reducing emissions in one of the most energy-intensive sectors of aviation.
- Port Sustainability Upgrades: Nine European ports will undergo green upgrades to promote sustainable operations and reduce their environmental footprint.
- Bunkering Facilities: Two sites will be developed to support the refueling of ammonia and methanol, paving the way for alternative fuels in shipping.
Next Steps:
The projects were approved by EU Member States on February 4, 2025, and the European Commission is expected to finalize the grant agreements in the coming months. The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) is now working with selected beneficiaries to prepare the agreements for project implementation.
This €422 million investment underscores the EU’s commitment to reducing emissions and creating a greener, more sustainable transport network across the continent.
References:
- European Commission’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility
- EU Connecting Europe Facility Program
