Plans to build a network alternative fuel stations across Europe have taken a step forward following a vote of support by the European Parliament.
The European Commission believes the network is necessary to break the oil dependency of transport.
Commission vice-president Siim Kallas, in charge of transport, said: “I am very pleased with the positive vote. It strengthens our proposal, especially as regards the minimum infrastructure coverage, information for consumers and innovation aspects. I am confident that ambitious measures will be adopted soon for the benefit of EU citizens and industry”.
In January 2013, the European Commission proposed a directive to ensure the roll-out of alternative fuels stations across the EU, with common standards to ensure EU wide mobility.
The the problem that refuelling stations for alternative fuels are not built because there are not enough vehicles while consumers do not buy the vehicles because there are no stations.
The proposal foresees a minimum coverage of refuelling infrastructure for Electricity, Hydrogen and Natural Gas for road and sea transport, and their corresponding standards.
The next step for the scheme is for the Council of Transport Ministers to adopt the general approach when they meet on 5th December.
