Updates to the decree on infrastructure support for electric vehicles and the use of biogas in transport
On 23 July 2020, the government issued an updated decree on infrastructure support for electric vehicles and the use of biogas in transport for 2018–2021. The objective of this support, which has been granted since 2018, is to promote the use of electricity and biogas in road transport by driving investment in the expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) charging and gas refuelling network.
An extensive EV charging and gas refuelling network is a key requirement for promoting the wider use of electric and gas-powered vehicles. Other methods used to encourage companies to develop and introduce new technologies include support for infrastructure.
Support focuses on investments in the electric vehicle charging and gas refuelling station networks. Financing will be awarded based on a competitive tender process in which tenders are organised into four groups of investment projects competing against each other.
Support to be awarded to projects with the greatest impact
The purpose of the amendments to the government decree is to permit more targeted allocation of financing to projects with the greatest impact. Specifically, efforts will be made to improve the coverage of the EV charging station network by prioritising projects in municipalities which, at the start of the tendering process, had no high power charging stations.
The amendments also partly implement the recommendations of the national biogas programme. Other improvements include clarifications to the rules and terminology of the aid programme in parts where the original wording of the decree left room for interpretation. The programme will remain in force until the end of 2021, which is why the primary purpose of the amendments is to streamline the final tender processes of the programme rather than to achieve big changes.
Financing will be awarded to drive investment in fixed gas refuelling stations located outside gas transmission and distribution networks (group 1), charging systems for local public transport (buses) (group 2), high power charging systems (DC charging power of more than 22 kW) (group 3) and conventional charging stations for vehicles (group 4).
Of the budget appropriation of approximately EUR 5.5 million available in 2020, three million will be allocated to projects in group 1, EUR 750,000 to projects in group 2, and EUR 1,750, 000 to projects in group 3. No support will be granted to projects in group 4 this year. The Energy Authority acts as the State aid authority in support-related matters, and will provide more detailed information on the tender competition schedule.
The support for infrastructure will contribute to the implementation of the National Energy and Climate Strategy for 2030, and the achievement of the greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.
Inquiries:
Inkeri Lilleberg, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7092 (available 23–25 July, 3–7 August and from 24 August onwards)
Pekka Grönlund, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 502 1235 (available until 7 August and from 24 August onwards)