In a significant step towards sustainable transportation, the European Union is channeling nearly €422 million into 39 projects aimed at developing alternative fuels supply infrastructure along the trans-European transport network (TEN-T). This endeavor seeks to support the decarbonization of transport by funding initiatives under the 2024-2025 Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). These projects span various crucial areas, including approximately 2,500 electric recharging points specifically for light-duty vehicles, 2,400 for heavy-duty vehicles, and the establishment of 35 hydrogen refueling stations. Additionally, the projects also focus on the electrification of ground handling services at eight airports, implementing greening measures at nine ports, and the construction of two ammonia and methanol bunkering facilities.
Decarbonizing Transport: Steps and Challenges
The European Union’s recent investments are aligned with ambitious regulations like the Regulation for the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure (AFIR), ReFuelEU aviation, and FuelEU maritime. These rules aim to develop a wide-reaching network of electric recharging stations and hydrogen refueling sites along key transport corridors and hubs. This effort is critical for achieving the EU’s zero-emissions mobility goals.
On February 4, 2025, the approval of these projects by EU Member States marked an important milestone. Following this, the European Commission will finalize award decisions, while the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) will prepare grant agreements with the selected recipients. This demonstrates the strong commitment of regional authorities and the EU to advancing sustainable transport solutions.
Continuing this momentum, the second phase of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) was launched on February 29, 2024, with a significant €1 billion budget. This phase supports infrastructure across various transport modes including road, maritime, inland waterways, and air travel. The next proposal submission deadline is June 11, 2025. This ongoing investment highlights the EU’s dedication to developing a greener, more sustainable, and interconnected transport system for future generations.
