On 25 July 2023, the European Commission welcomed the final approval of the Energy Efficiency Directive, FuelEU Maritime Regulation and the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR). The regulations will support the delivery of the European Green Deal that aims to make the EU's climate, energy, transport and taxation policies fit for reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. The revisions also align with the REPowerEU Plan to end Russian fossil fuel imports.
The revised Energy Efficiency legislation sets out a cost-efficient pathway to become climate-neutral by 2050 while reducing energy consumption by 11.7% by 2030, compared to 2020. This proposed pathway also focuses on alleviating energy poverty and empowering customers.
The new FuelEU Maritime Regulation sets out measures to reduce the greenhouse gas intensity of fuels used by the shipping sector; the targets specify a 2% reduction by 2025 and an 80% reduction by 2050.
The Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) focuses on the deployment of more recharging and refuelling stations for alternative fuels to support the decarbonisation of the transport sector. The regulation specifies that from 2025 onwards, fast recharging stations for all vehicle types (including heavy-duty vehicles) should be installed every 60km along the EU's main transport corridors.