TEN-T regulation should support a full compliance of European transport infrastructure with alternative fuels deployment

Today (13^th April), the European Parliament’s Transport Committee (TRAN) unanimously adopted its report on the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Regulation, that aims to build an effective, EU-wide and multimodal transport network for a modern, safe and sustainable transport in Europe.

The report shows positive notes for the deployment of infrastructure for hydrogen and hydrogen based alternative fuels across all transport modes in the EU: urban nodes are being redefined as functional urban areas including their commuting zones – thus extending the foreseeable list of urban nodes and their potential for speedier transformation towards sustainable urban solutions for transport of people and goods with the utilization of zero emission hydrogen technologies. To meet the ambitious EU emission reduction targets for transport by 2035, we need the future infrastructure to support the uptake of alternative fuels in line with recent provisional agreement on Alternative fuels infrastructure regulation (AFIR). Hydrogen Europe therefore supports the inclusion of alternative fuel infrastructure requirements, in compliance with AFIR, to be added in all the transport infrastructure of the TEN-T network.

The position of the Parliament also makes sure to channel EU funds where they are most needed: when ensuring the clear prioritization of the project investments for the completion of the core network and making sure the projects from national plans which are not aligned with EU transport policy shall not be considered a priority for EU funding. Hydrogen Europe is calling upon the institutions to prolong the Alternative fuels infrastructure facility (AFIF) beyond 2023, until the end of the current CEF financial framework in 2027.

However, we note that previous amendments enhancing the role of ports as energy hubs and opening the possibility to include strategic ports for energy security of the EU within the network have not been retained in the adopted report. Maritime ports have a crucial role in the production, distribution, and storage of hydrogen and reception of hydrogen imports from third countries – and this new role will demand investments in infrastructures and facilities in the EU ports.

The compromise amendment 56 leaves the door open for non TEN-T ports to be included in the network, if it ‘has acquired further European added value due to its geostrategic importance for the Union’, without setting a clear criterion. Hydrogen Europe is counting on MEPs to include this addition in their plenary vote, to make sure the role of ports towards EU energy security and decarbonation goals is considered geostrategic and ensuring them an access to EU funds.

This report will be confirmed by the whole Parliament in the plenary next week and trialogues will start on the 24^th April under the Swedish Presidency to find an agreement with the Council.

Read the text of the agreement here:

• Initial proposition from the European Commission
• List of compromise amendments from the Parliament
• Press release from the European Parliament