Press Release: EU launches clean fuel strategy

The European Commission announced 24 January 2013 an ambitious package of measures to ensure the build-up of alternative fuel stations across Europe with common standards for their design and use.

Previous policy initiatives mostly addressed the actual fuels and vehicles, without considering fuels distribution. Efforts to provide incentives had been un-co-ordinated and insufficient.

Clean fuel has been held back by three main barriers: the high cost of vehicles, a low level of consumer acceptance, and the lack of recharging and refuelling stations.

The Commission has therefore proposed a package of binding targets on Member States for a minimum level of infrastructure for clean fuels such as electricity, hydrogen and natural gas, as well as common EU wide standards for equipment needed.

European Commission: MEMO/13/34: Clean power for transport – Frequently asked questions http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-24_en.htm

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