A general approach to alternative fuels

Creating sufficient infrastructure and common standards are considered to be crucial to boost consumer demand for alternative fuels such as electricity, hydrogen and natural gas, and for vehicles designed to use them.

The Council says that under the general approach, each member state will adopt a national framework policy to include an evaluation of the current state and future development of infrastructure, set national targets and deployment measures.

There will also be a minimum infrastructure targets a deadline for the number of electric vehicle recharge points, LNG filling stations at ports, LNG and compressed natural gas filling stations for motor vehicles, hydrogen refuelling points (if this is included in a member state’s framework) and shore side electricity supply at ports (provided there is demand and the cost does not outweigh the benefits.)

National targets will be set based on reports by member states with the requirement for minimum infrastructure to be in place by 2030.

The next step to put the process in motion will be talks at the European Parliament, the directive will have to be approved by the Parliament to be adopted.