The regulation of alternative fuel infrastructure, including railway transportation, has been approved by TRAN

The European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) has approved the agreement on the Regulation of Alternative Fuel Infrastructure (AFIR) with 33 votes in favor, one against, and seven abstentions, as reported by the railway portal Railway Supply, citing TRAN.

Under the new regulation, railway transport is now included, which is a “key” missing element not provided for in the European Commission’s proposal.

This encourages member states to consider the deployment of alternative fuel infrastructure on the railway network and contributes to achieving the goals of the European Green Deal, according to the European Rail Industry Association (UNIFE) and the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER).

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“The development of alternative fuel technologies is also important for railways, where direct electrification of the section is not feasible due to reasons such as cost-effectiveness of maintenance. Various technologies are available in the railway sector to phase out diesel trains, including direct electrification, battery-powered trains, and hydrogen applications. The development of these technologies requires the deployment of appropriate charging and refueling infrastructure in the member states,” the regulation states.

Welcoming the conclusion and outcomes of the negotiations on the Regulation of Alternative Fuel Infrastructure, UNIFE and CER consider the inclusion of railway transport within the scope of the document to be a step in the right direction, especially concerning the provisions related to railway transportation.

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