Photo Credit: Liquid Gas Europe
The EU’s long-term energy transition goals depend not just on developing new technologies but also alternative-fuels that can bring down harmful emissions now.
As the EU reviews important environmental and energy legislation under the European Green Deal, it should not abandon clean, proven and cost-effective solutions such as sustainable renewable fuels and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
That’s our message. We are a broad coalition of vehicle manufacturers and alternative-fuel producers and suppliers who are calling on the European Commission to take a technology-neutral approach in its upcoming review of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive.
RELATED CONTENT
Our coalition includes ACEA (the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association), Liquid Gas Europe, ePURE (the European renewable ethanol association), EBB (the European Biodiesel Board) and UPEI (representing European independent fuel suppliers).
We believe it is imperative that all alternative fuels play a role in the energy transition. While it is important to set long-term objectives, Europe should not dismiss solutions that are already available, cost-effective, commercially viable and that positively contribute to the energy transition.
We urge the Commission to maintain its current definition of alternative fuels in the upcoming review of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive, guaranteeing consistent policymaking and a stable investment environment.
"While it is important to set long-term objectives, Europe should not dismiss solutions that are already available, cost-effective, commercially viable and that positively contribute to the energy transition"
The Directive aims to build the market for alternative fuels, such as Autogas (LPG as transport fuel) and sustainable renewable fuels (such as ethanol, biodiesel and biogas), which have already reached a certain degree of maturity, and to jump-start a market for newcomers, such as electromobility and hydrogen.
Today, alternatively-fuelled road vehicles represent a small but growing percentage of the EU fleet. Meanwhile road transport greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, and many countries are in breach of air quality standards.
This means the EU will need to do a better job of mobilising solutions that work today in addition to supporting the market development of new technologies and related infrastructure.
Given the urgency of the climate and air quality crises, the EU needs to take a practical approach. This includes promoting cleaner-burning fuels that are already commercially viable and competitively priced, deliver immediate benefits, and do not require drastic and costly changes to infrastructure or powertrain technologies.
For more information about Liquid Gas Europe, visit: liquidgaseurope.eu
You can also follow them on Twitter: @LiquidGasEurope