Spain has secured 72.7 million euros in European funds to finance the deployment of alternative fuel supply infrastructure as part of the 2024 call of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) – Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF).
Specifically, eight business projects, validated by the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, will receive European aid to install 589 electric charging points with power outputs ranging from 150 to 350 kilowatts, build 26 green hydrogen refuelling stations, and decarbonise ports within the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).
In total, these subsidies will mobilise nearly 400 million euros in investment in the country, aimed at promoting sustainable, low-emission transport.
The eight projects involve Spanish companies and partners from other EU countries and will help expand the network of alternative low-emission refuelling and charging stations.
Expansion of Charging and Hydrogen Infrastructure
Several of these projects involve collaboration with the Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO):
- On the Spanish TEN-T road network, 589 electric charging points with power levels between 150 and 350 kilowatts will be installed, along with 26 hydrogen refuelling stations operating at pressures of 300 to 700 bar.
- In the maritime and port sector, selected projects focus on electrifying terminals in the ports of Barcelona, Valencia, and Gijón, developing ammonia supply infrastructure in Algeciras, and methanol supply infrastructure in Huelva.
Spain’s Commitment to Transport Decarbonisation
This call marks a significant commitment by the Spanish transport sector to decarbonising both road and maritime transport.
It represents a mid-term effort, where public and private investments converge, reinforcing Spain’s commitment to sustainable transport.
The country remains in the global Top 10 for investment in renewable energy.
The AFIF funding call for alternative fuels was launched on 29 February 2024, with a total allocation of 780 million euros available under the general framework.
Projects in Spain can apply within three submission deadlines.
The European Commission has opened the second submission window for AFIF, with applications accepted until 11 June 2025.
Proposals involving investments in Spain must follow the application procedure outlined by the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility.
Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Funding
The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) grants are awarded through competitive selection, meaning that only the highest-scoring projects—based on impact, relevance, maturity, and catalytic effect of the funds—receive funding.
Eligible applicants include institutions or companies based in any EU country, which can apply individually or as part of a consortium, as well as certain international organisations related to infrastructure and transport.
Infrastructure projects for alternative fuels funded through AFIF can secure additional financing from institutions such as the Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and other national promotional banks, acting as AFIF implementation partners to facilitate these investments.
