The European Council has approved a series of new laws designed to reduce emissions from road transport, ports, and airports, as reported by ESG Today on July 25. The legislation includes requirements for the installation of more electric vehicle recharging stations and hydrogen refueling stations along major transport routes, with the aim of addressing concerns about refueling and encouraging the adoption of zero-emission vehicles. To further curb the use of fossil fuels, the laws mandate that maritime ports serving large passenger vessels or container ships must offer onshore electricity by 2030. Similarly, airports must ensure that stationary aircraft at all gates have access to electricity by 2025, and at all remote stands by 2030.

The new laws were agreed upon in a provision deal between the European Parliament and the European Council in March, and they support the “Fit for 55” climate policy package agreed in June 2022. This package aims to reduce the EU’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and achieve climate neutrality in 2050. Currently, the transportation sector accounts for roughly 25% of the EU’s total GHG emissions. By promoting the use of low-emission alternative fuels and expanding the availability of charging facilities, the new rules are expected to contribute to the reduction from passenger cars, vans, and heavy-duty vehicles.

Sources:

https://www.esgtoday.com/eu-council-adopts-laws-to-cut-emissions-from-transport-vehicles-energy-consumption/fjkh

https://electrek.co/2023/07/25/eu-passes-law-ev-fast-chargers-along-all-main-transport-corridors-2025/

https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/infographics/fit-for-55-afir-alternative-fuels-infrastructure-regulation/

https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/topics/in-depth/transport-and-mobility