Definition 1
Alternative Fuel means a fuel or power source which serves, at least partly, as a substitute for fossil oil sources in the energy used for transport. Alternative fuels include:
(a) fuels for zero emission vehicles, trains, vessels or aircraft:
(i) electricity;
(ii) hydrogen; and
(iii) ammonia;
(b) renewable fuels:
(i) biomass fuels, including biogas, and biofuels as defined in Article 2, points (27), (28) and (33), respectively, of Directive (EU) 2018/2001; and
(ii) synthetic and paraffinic fuels, including ammonia, produced from renewable energy; and
(c) non-renewable alternative fuels and transitional fossil fuels:
(i) natural gas in gaseous form (compressed natural gas (CNG)) and liquefied form (liquefied natural gas (LNG));
(ii) liquefied petroleum gas (LPG); and
(iii) synthetic and paraffinic fuels produced from non-renewable energy.
Drafting notes and guidance
This definition derives from the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (EU) (2023/1804).
The definition includes fuels with lower lifecycle greenhouse gas intensity than conventional fossil fuels. Note that some alternative fuels (for example, natural gas) provide short-term emission reductions but are not compatible with long-term decarbonisation goals.
The classification of alternative fuels is a technical area. For more information on EU and UK legislation in this area, see: