In the push for a more eco-friendly future, the European Union (EU) is making a substantial €1.5 billion investment in the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) program. As part of the broader Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), this initiative is set to play a crucial role in developing essential electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across Europe.
The AFIF program has emerged as a game-changer, offering substantial financial support to 26 projects selected from a pool of proposals under the CEF program. Its primary objective is to accelerate the deployment of alternative fuel supply infrastructure, an indispensable step towards decarbonizing transport networks along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). It’s a key component of the EU’s Green Deal, which ambitiously aims to make Europe climate-neutral by 2050.
Connecting Europe Facility (CEF): A Cornerstone of EU Infrastructure Investment
The CEF program, consisting of CEF Energy, CEF Transport, and CEF Digital, is a vital EU funding instrument designed to stimulate growth, job creation, and competitiveness through strategic infrastructure investments. While CEF Energy focuses on energy networks, CEF Transport is committed to transport infrastructure, and CEF Digital enhances digital infrastructure across Europe.
CEF Transport: Paving the Way for Sustainable Mobility
Under CEF Transport, the AFIF program shines as a beacon of hope for electric mobility enthusiasts. It’s focused on advancing alternative fuel supply infrastructure, with a keen eye on electric vehicle charging networks. This initiative is integral to expanding the usage of electric vehicles and curbing carbon emissions across the expansive European road networks.
A substantial budget of €1.5 billion fuels the AFIF program, combining EU grants with financial support from various institutions. This synergy significantly amplifies the impact of investments. The program operates through a rolling call for proposals, initiated on 16th September 2021, with five cut-off dates for the submission of proposals until the end of 2023. The fifth call for proposals is currently open and accepting applications until 7 November 2023, 17:00 (CET).
Promoting EV Charging Infrastructure: AFIF’s Core Mission
The AFIF program serves as a cornerstone in the EU’s commitment to sustainable transportation infrastructure, with a specific focus on EV charging infrastructure. By promoting the growth of EV charging networks and fortifying essential infrastructure, the EU is taking substantial steps towards reducing pollution, meeting climate targets, and bolstering economic growth.
European Commissioner for Transport, Adina Vălean, underscores the growing interest in AFIF funding. This investment of €189 million is anticipated to yield around 2,000 charging points. Moreover, four projects within the AFIF program will contribute to the electrification of ground-handling services at airports, a pivotal aspect of sustainable aviation practices.
The Path Forward: AFIF Program’s Impact
As these projects gain momentum, the EU’s commitment to a sustainable and environmentally responsible future in transportation becomes even more apparent. It’s important to note that provisional results will be finalized once the European Commission formally adopts the corresponding award decisions.
In essence, the AFIF program represents a significant milestone in propelling Europe towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. Its emphasis on funding EV charging infrastructure opens doors for innovative solutions, job creation, and emissions reduction.
With initiatives like AFIF, the EU is actively leading the transformation of Europe’s roads into electric and eco-friendly thoroughfares, marking a bright future for sustainable mobility on the continent.
Additional Resources
Read more about the eligibility criteria and application procedures.
See the results from the most recent AFIF funding rounds: Round 3 & Round 4
