EU invests €422 million for alternative fuels infrastructure including urban node projects

On 6 February 2024, the European Commission selected 39 innovative projects across the EU, dedicated to deploying alternative fuels infrastructure.  A total investment of €422 million, provided through the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF), will support these initiatives in driving the transition to cleaner transport. The selected projects will focus on installing public electric recharging stations, including high-power megawatt chargers for both heavy-duty and light-duty vehicles, developing hydrogen refueling stations and onshore power installations in ports as well as electrifying airports and providing infrastructure for alternative fuels such as ammonia and methanol for shipping.

Among the 39 funded projects, several focus on infrastructure in urban nodes and along key TEN-T routes, expanding hydrogen refuelling and electric charging facilities: 

1. ACTIVA:
   This project establishes a network of 20 hydrogen refueling stations in urban nodes throughout Spain. These stations will be installed along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), a European infrastructure initiative designed to connect key cities and regions, enhancing transport and facilitating sustainable mobility across Europe. This project will significantly expand hydrogen infrastructure and promote the use of hydrogen-powered vehicles in urban areas.
    
2. Drive-E Cohesion - Deploying Recharging Infrastructure in CZ, HU, RO, BG, SK, PL: 
   This project involves the installation of 708 electric light-duty vehicles (eLDV) recharging points and 126 electric heavy-duty vehicles (eHDV) charging points, strategically located along the major routes of the TEN-T. It ensures that electric vehicle charging infrastructure is integrated into the wider European transport system, contributing to the development of sustainable and connected mobility across Europe. 
    
3. Drive-E General - Deploying Recharging Infrastructure in AT, DE, DK, IT, LT, NL, SE:
   This project is the counterpart to the previous project, expanding to additional European countries. It will deploy 224 eLDV and 301 eHDV recharging points. The recharging infrastructure will also be installed along key TEN-T routes. 

These projects support the transition to a zero-emission fleet and align with the EU's goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and boost the competitiveness of European industries. Looking ahead, the EU will continue to fund new proposals to further advance alternative fuels infrastructure. The next round of funding will open in June 2025, with €578 million available.

Review the full list of funded projects here.

Author: Rebecca Meiser

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.