Update about CEF 2 Transport’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF)

On 14 October 2021, EU-agency CINEA organised a webinar on the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF), which is part of the EU-programme CEF 2 Transport. During this webinar, more information was announced by CINEA about AFIF. This article covers the most important information for you.

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Eligible projects/activities within AFIF

Within AFIF there are three key areas: renewable energy, green hydrogen and circular economy. Based on these, there are three types of recharging & refuelling infrastructure for which a grant can be received:

  • Electric charging infrastructures for the road network (unit costs)
    • Publicly accessible recharging stations on the road network (TEN-T) for vehicles (LDV and HDV)
    • ‘Grid connection’ with a minimum power capacity of 600 kVA
  • Zero emission (%)
    •  Electric recharging stations for:
      • public transit (mainly for ‘urban nodes’)
      • IWW and maritime vessels
      • port vehicles and equipment (subject to specific conditions)
      • airport ground operations
    • H2 refuelling stations for:
      • vehicles (LDV and/or long haul HDV)
      • public transport
      • IWW and maritime vessels
      • port vehicles and equipment
      • railways
  • Low emission (%)
    • LNG (Liquid Natural Gas) refuelling stations supplying inland waterways and maritime ports

It should also be taken into account that only activities in certain locations within the TEN-T (Trans-European Transport Network) are eligible for a grant contribution from AFIF.

Budget and grant contribution

For the period 2021 to 2023, a total of € 1.5 billion is available for AFIF. For the road network, unit costs are applied, while the zero emission & low emission elements are accompanied with grant percentages (10% or 30%, depending on the type of fuel).

What about co-financing (loan component)?

In addition to the ‘regular’ CEF 2 Transport calls, applicants will have to guarantee part of the co-financing – loan component – through support from:

  • one or more ‘implementing partners’ (EIB, EBRD or national promotional banks);
  • or non-implementing partners (other public or private financial institutions in the EU, such as commercial banks).

Note: the complete list of implementing partners has not yet been published by CINEA.

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Letter of support

This letter of support from the (non-)implementing partner(s) should amount to at least 10% of the total project costs and needs to be recorded in a ‘Financial Approval Letter’ (including a summary of the project). Only with this letter of support an AFIF application can be submitted!

From financing contract to Grant Agreement

Has the CEF 2 Transport AFIF grant been awarded? In this case, the applicant(s) and the bank or financial partner of the project are informed by CINEA. Afterwards, a financing contract will be concluded between the applicant(s) and (non-)implementing partners. Finally, a Grant Agreement (GA) will be signed by CINEA and the applicant(s).

Important dates

AFIF is a ‘rolling’ call with several cut-off dates as intermediate deadlines. The implementation period of a project shall not exceed three years after the relevant cut-off date. In addition, as an applicant, you are required to maintain the recharging/refuelling stations for at least five years. All cut-off dates and other important dates for 2021 to 2023 can be found in the table below:

Cut-off stages

 

1st cut-off date 2nd cut-off date 3rd cut-off date 4th cut-off date 5th cut-off date

 

Deadline for submission (17:00h, CEST) 19 January 2022

 

7 June 2022 10 November 2022 13 April 2023 19 September 2023
Evaluation February – March 2022 July – Augustus 2022 December 2022 – January 2023 May – June 2023 October – November 2023
Information on evaluation results May 2022 October 2022 March 2023 July 2023 January 2024
GA Signature September – October 2022 February – March 2023 July – Augustus 2023 December 2023 – January 2024 May – June 2024

Need advice or support?

Hezelburcht has extensive experience with the predecessor of the AFIF, namely the CEF Transport Blending Facility (2014 – 2020). As a result, we have the knowledge and expertise to support your organisation in drawing up a strong AFIF application. If you would like to know more about this call, please contact us for more information!

More information on AFIF? Contact us!
Or call us directly: 088 495 20 00

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