The European Commission has found Czech plans to support the creation of a refueling network for low emission vehicles to be in line with EU state aid rules, as the initiative contributes to reducing CO2 emissions without unduly distorting competition in the Single Market. The scheme provides support of €44.5 million over six years for the construction of publicly accessible refueling stations across the entire country for vehicles running on alternative fuels such as CNG, LNG, hydrogen and electricity.
Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “The Czech scheme is yet another good example of how Member States can contribute to the fight against global warming. The scheme will promote alternative fuels and reduce harmful car emissions, and will encourage consumers and businesses to use greener transportation, without distorting competition”. Companies already active in the alternative fuels sector can apply for this support, which will be awarded in four separate calls for tender.
The aid measure was assessed by the Commission under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which allows Member States to support the development of certain economic activities – in this case improving energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions. This is in line with EU energy and climate goals.
The measure will encourage a significant uptake of vehicles running on alternative fuels, and therefore make an important contribution towards meeting the common interest of reducing emissions and improving air quality. It is also in line with the European Strategy for low-emission mobility, particularly in terms of speeding up the deployment of low-emission alternative energy for transport and contributing to the decarbonization agenda.
Source: European Commission
