In order to help deliver a transport network that is environmentally sustainable in line with the ambitious objectives laid out in the EU Green Deal, the European Union will provide a total financial support of over EUR 352 million to 26 infrastructure projects. These have been selected under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), the EU funding programme supporting European transport infrastructure.
Under the fourth cut-off date of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) call for proposals, which closed on 13 April 2023, 26 projects have been selected for a total EU grant support of over EUR 352 million. This support is coupled with a loan or investment facility from a financial institution.
The call remains open with a last cut-off date on 7 November 2023.
European Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean, said: “The numerous applications for AFIF funding received underline the transport industry’s interest in pushing ahead with the switch to more sustainable transport – on roads, in the sky and at sea. Our investment of €352 million will translate into approximately 12,000 charging points, 18 hydrogen refuelling stations, and the electrification of ports and airports, including the port of Rotterdam and 37 Spanish airports.”
The Director of the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), Paloma Aba Garrote, also stated: “The European Union remains committed to endorsing initiatives that enhance the transition to more environmentally friendly modes of transport. These projects play a pivotal role in realising the Union’s climate objectives, while contributing to economic growth and generating new employment opportunities.”
Background
The objective of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) call for proposal is to support the deployment of alternative fuel supply infrastructure, contributing to decarbonising transport along the TEN-T network.
With a total budget of EUR 1.5 billion for the period 2021-2027, AFIF will fund actions by the combination of CEF grants with financial support from financial institutions to achieve a higher impact of the investment. It is be implemented through a rolling call for proposals launched on 16 September 2021, with five cut-off dates for the submission of proposals until the end of 2023.
Next steps
Following the EU Member States’ approval of the selected projects on 8 September 2023, the Commission will adopt a formal financing decision in the coming weeks, following which the results will become definitive. The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) has started the preparation of the grant agreements with the beneficiaries of the successful projects.