The European Commission has presented its Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP), aiming to accelerate the energy transition in the aviation and maritime sectors. The plan outlines a comprehensive approach to boost investments in renewable and low-carbon fuels – areas where hydrogen plays a key role.
The measures under the Plan are expected to mobilize at least €2.9 billion through various EU instruments by 2027, including InvestEU, Horizon Europe, the Innovation Fund, and the European Hydrogen Bank.
Hydrogen Europe, of which the Bulgarian Hydrogen, Fuel Cell and Energy Storage Association (BGH2A) is a member, welcomes the Plan and its specific focus on unlocking funding to help hydrogen projects reach final investment decisions (FIDs). This is a necessary step to meet the EU’s decarbonisation goals for the maritime and aviation sectors.
The Sustainable Transport Investment Plan foresees the following funding streams until the end of 2027:
- At least €2 billion under InvestEU for sustainable alternative fuels.
- €300 million by the end of this year through the European Hydrogen Bank to support hydrogen production for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and Sustainable Maritime Fuels (SMF).
- Around €133 million through Horizon Europe to fund additional research and innovation projects.
- €153 million from the Innovation Fund for synthetic aviation fuel projects, and €293 million for maritime fuel projects.
- A pilot initiative, the eSAF Early Movers Coalition, will be launched later this year with a target budget of around €500 million, focusing on synthetic aviation fuels.
Hydrogen Europe and its members are calling on the European Commission to swiftly implement the STIP, including in the context of the upcoming review of the EU Emissions Trading Directive in 2026.
