The Danish Energy Authority (DEA) has initiated a new round of applications for funding for the establishment of strategic partnerships to promote the use of electricity, natural gas and hydrogen in mobility. For 2014 to 2015, a total of Dkr33 million (almost US$6 million) has been allocated to support these alliances, with the goal to generate a lasting increase in the prevalence of energy-efficient vehicles, reported the International Law Office.
These partnerships aim to ensure the active participation of stakeholders, such as fleet operators, energy and technology companies, car manufacturers and authorities, to facilitate the move towards greener transportation. Each member can help to draft the guidelines for implementation. In return, each partner is expected to contribute to the partnership, whether through co-financing, advice, campaigns, access to infrastructure or other resources.
In Denmark, natural gas is a mature technology, mostly used by heavy vehicles. The reasons for using NGVs for heavy transport are increased cost effectiveness and security of supply. It may also help to prepare the market for the subsequent introduction of biogas. One main challenge that the initiative aims to address is the financing of businesses that will establish and run natural gas refueling stations.
Regarding hydrogen implementation, the aim is to support development and demonstration cycles, which are prerequisites for the wider implementation of hydrogen in transport, and support private parties investing in the deployment of hydrogen in transport over the next few years.
In 2013, Dkr23 million (over US$4 million) was provided to fund four major strategic electric-vehicle partnerships – significantly increasing the number of charging stations and doubling the number of electric cars on the street. In 2014, an additional Dkr13 million (US$2,3 million) has been allocated to electricity partnerships and Dkr10 million to natural gas partnerships. A further Dkr10 million (US$1,7 million) will be made available to hydrogen partnerships in 2015.
