C 152/138
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
6.4.2022
Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, and repealing Directive 2014/94/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council’ (COM(2021) 559 final — 2021/0223 (COD)) and on ‘Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — A strategic rollout plan to outline a set of supplementary actions to support the rapid deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure’ (COM(2021) 560 final) (2022/C 152/23)
Rapporteur: John COMER
Referral
Council of the European Union, 30.7.2021 European Parliament, 13.9.2021 European Commission, 13.9.2021
Legal basis
Articles 90-91, Articles 170-171 and Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union
Section responsible
Transport, Energy, Infrastructure and the Information Society
Adopted in section
9.11.2021
Adopted at plenary
9.12.2021
Plenary session No
565
Outcome of vote (for/against/abstentions)
137/4/9
1.
Conclusions and recommendations 1.1.
The EESC welcomes the proposal for a regulation on the deployment of an alternative fuels infrastructure.
1.2.
BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) seem to be emerging as the preferred option for car transport from most manufacturers.
The shortage of lithium (probably short term) and the increasing price of lithium poses a problem to the fast rollout of BEVs, and to belated research and development of more effective storage systems.
However the possibility of further research and technological development may help to alleviate these current problems.
1.3.
There are major reserves of lithium worldwide.
Chile has the largest known reserves of lithium followed by Australia and China.
There is a need to invest in new mines to ease the current tight supply situation.
There are environmental issues with mining especially the high water requirement and possible pollution by toxic chemicals, and it is often associated with serious social problems.
The EESC is very concerned about these aspects of international trade.
International trade agreements and value chains must comply with green and sustainable development requirements and binding diligence rules must be set for businesses (1).
In the EU there is the possibility of lithium mining in Portugal assuming environmental issues can be resolved.
1.4.
The extensive rollout of an alternative fuels infrastructure throughout the EU is essential and confidence must be given to investors to establish the alternative fuels infrastructure.
Public authorities must ensure alternative fuels and charging stations are available where needed, especially in areas where it is not yet economically viable to provide such facilities.
(1)
See opinions OJ C 220, 9.6.2021, p. 118 and OJ C 123, 9.4.2021, p. 59.