Luxembourg – The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Commission struck an agreement that will allow EU grants to be combined with long-term EIB finance for alternative fuel infrastructure projects.
The arrangement is part of the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) transport program and falls under the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF). It will make approximately €1.5 billion in EU grants available for alternative fuel infrastructure, such as electric fast-charging and hydrogen refueling stations on the TEN-T road network, by the end of 2023. Other private and governmental banks, in addition to the EIB, can profit from the facility.
The European Climate, Infrastructure, and Environment Executive Agency issued a request for proposals (CINEA).
The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility will be established through a rolling call through 2023, with five proposal deadlines. CINEA is in charge of the call’s promotion and evaluation.
The grant component will be managed directly and exclusively by the European Commission.
The EIB will not be involved in the management or decision-making procedures of the Commission.
Since 2016, the EIB has provided over EUR 8 billion in yearly financing for climate-related transportation projects.
