The Government approved on Thursday a draft emergency ordinance on the implementation of EU Regulation 2023/1804 on the installation of alternative fuels infrastructure.
According to a Government press release, the Regulation introduces ambitious and detailed standards and requirements, recommending that member states adopt strict and coherent measures to ensure a rapid and efficient transition to alternative energy sources and an adequate infrastructure.
"The emergency ordinance aims to create the governance framework, establish the responsibilities of each institution involved, their obligations, but also of private operators regarding the installation of alternative fuel infrastructure, including hydrogen, biofuels, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and electricity, as well as sanctions for failure to comply with the obligations," the press release reads.
For the application of the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2023/1804, the Ministry of Energy is designated as the competent authority to adopt the necessary measures to achieve the objectives set out in the Regulation.
The main objectives of the application of the provisions contained in this emergency ordinance aim to: create the institutional framework necessary for the development of an accessible and sustainable infrastructure for the transport of passengers and goods; facilitating the transport of goods through the use of alternative fuels will contribute to the efficiency of supply chains; the adoption of a green infrastructure will create a framework through which the right to mobility will contribute to the reduction of inequalities and will ensure equitable access to infrastructure for all citizens.
At the same time, by facilitating the use of alternative fuels and by creating an adequate infrastructure for them, the regulatory act will contribute to the reduction of atmospheric pollution and the improvement of air quality, especially in large urban centers, where pollution from conventional vehicles has a negative impact on public health.
The initiators estimate that the adoption of this regulatory act and the finalization of the national policy framework for alternative fuels infrastructure will have the following impacts: reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the transport sector; increased access to sustainable infrastructure for passenger and freight transport; stimulating investments in green technology and generating new economic opportunities; reducing pollution and improving the quality of life; social equity and access to modern energy resources; decarbonizing value chains and capitalizing on emission reductions.
At the same time, the implementation of alternative fuel infrastructure, including recharging and refueling networks for electric and hydrogen vehicles, ammonia, biofuels, will have a positive effect on social equity, ensuring uniform access to modern and clean energy sources, both in urban and rural areas.
The regulatory act is also essential for facilitating the access of national transport operators - both public and private - to the European transport market, which has already switched to strictly regulated sustainability criteria.
Comentează