A key year for alternative fuel infrastructures in transport

After the first deadline on 24th September 2024, the second call for the Connecting Europe Facility for Alternative Fuel Infrastructure in Transport (CEF Transport AFIF) faces a critical second year. On that occasion, 59 proposals were submitted for €609 million in funding. Now, with an expected remaining budget of around €400 million in aid, this initiative will offer two new opportunities in 2025 to submit investment projects in this field, with deadlines on June 11th and December 17th.

Asier Pérez, consultant for European Projects and Transport expert at Zabala Innovation, advises “starting to work on proposals at least three months in advance, given the need to meet very strict technical and financial requirements, as well as gather support from financial institutions and Member States.” Pérez points out that Zabala Innovation has extensive experience with CEF: “In the last 15 years, we’ve submitted more than 60 proposals for this program, with a success rate above 90% in the AFIF priority, largely due to our expertise in cost-benefit analysis models.”

“For entities planning to deploy charging systems in the short and medium term between 2025 and 2028, this year is crucial to obtain the financial support needed to efficiently meet their roadmaps,” Pérez states, emphasizing that CEF AFIF is essential for the transition to more sustainable transport in Europe.

This second phase of AFIF (2024-2025) supports the objectives set out in the new Alternative fuels infrastructure regulation (AFIR), which includes the installation of fast charging stations of at least 150 kW for cars and vans every 60 km on the main transport corridors in the EU from this year, and hydrogen refueling stations every 200 km on the core network of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) starting in 2030. “The availability of electric charging stations and hydrogen refueling stations on major transport routes is key to promoting the use of zero-emission vehicles,” Pérez stresses.

Requirements for CEF Transport AFIF 2025

CEF AFIF supports mature investment projects that have received a letter of support from a public or private financial institution established in the EU, ensuring the formalization of an agreement to finance at least 10% of the planned investment within 12 months of the aid application. The aim is to support the deployment of alternative fuel supply infrastructure that contributes to the decarbonization of transport along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).

Beyond supporting high-power charging stations and hydrogen refueling stations, CEF AFIF offers new funding opportunities for megawatt charging stations for heavy vehicles, electricity and hydrogen supply at airports, and electricity supply and ammonia and methanol refueling at ports.

In this regard, Pérez states, “The diversification of energy sources in the transport sector is essential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and decrease pollutant emissions. The inclusion of infrastructure for fuels like ammonia and methanol in ports, as well as hydrogen supply at airports, represents a significant step forward in this direction.”

Alignment with other regulations

The deployment of these infrastructures is also aligned with the ReFuelEU Aviation and FuelEU Maritime Regulations, which aim to promote the adoption of sustainable alternative fuels in the aviation and maritime sectors, respectively. These regulations set specific requirements for the provision of shore-side electricity at ports and airports to reduce emissions associated with operations at these facilities.

“The implementation of these measures will not only contribute to emission reductions but also position Europe as a leader in sustainable transport technologies,” Pérez asserts. “This is a great opportunity for European companies to innovate and develop solutions that can be exported to other markets.”

CEF is a key EU program to promote growth, employment, and competitiveness through specific infrastructure investments at the European level. This initiative supports investment in Europe’s digital, transport, and energy networks, aiming to complete the TEN-T and facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy.