European Council agrees an approach to harmonising standards for refuelling infrastructure
Fri 06 December 2013
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The European Council has agreed on an approach to a proposal to increase the availability of alternative fuels across the EU with the aim of boosting the uptake of cleaner fuels. The proposed Directive on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, which forms part of the Clean Power for Transport initiative, targets a minimum number of recharging points and refuelling stations across the EU.
The Directive would require Member States to adopt and publish National Policy Frameworks for the market development of electric, hydrogen, biofuels and gas refuelling infrastructure. These are to be submitted to the Commission within 18 months of the date of entry into force of the Directive, and every two years thereafter. Member States would be required to cooperate with one another, either through consultations or joint policy frameworks, to ensure that measures are coherent, coordinated and meet the objectives of the Directive.
Under the general approach announced, member states' national policy framework for the market development of alternative fuels infrastructure will include:
• an evaluation of the current state and future development of infrastructure
• national targets for putting in place new infrastructure
• deployment measures, including the yearly budget allocated to infrastructure development and to supporting manufacturing plants for alternative fuels technologies
Harmonised refuelling and recharging points standards, together with clear information for consumers, are to be introduced and member states must develop minimum targets for infrastructure as follows:
• the number of electric vehicle recharging points
• liquefied natural gas (LNG) filling stations at maritime and inland ports
• LNG and compressed natural gas (CNG) filling stations for motor vehicles
• hydrogen refuelling points (if the member state decides to include hydrogen in its national policy framework)
• shore-side electricity supply in maritime and inland ports, provided there is demand and the costs do not outweigh the benefits.
The Council news release reports that discussions with the European Parliament on this matter will be launched as a priority. The Directive must be approved by the Parliament to be adopted.
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