The European Parliament’s Transport Committee (TRAN) has approved an agreement on the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) by 33 votes to one, with seven abstentions. The regulation now also includes rail transport. According to the European Rail Supply Industry (UNIFE) and the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), this will encourage member states to consider the roll-out of alternative fuels infrastructure on the railway network. The regulation stipulates that the member states should assess the development of alternative fuel technologies and propulsion systems for railway sections that cannot be fully electrified for technical or cost-efficiency reasons, such as hydrogen-powered or battery-electric rail vehicles and, if relevant, any refuelling and recharging infrastructure needs. By 1st January 2025, each member state should prepare and send a draft national policy framework to the European Commission on the development of the market for alternative fuels in the transport sector and the deployment of the relevant infrastructure.
