From 2028, authorizations only with alternative fuels: what changes for gas stations

From 2028, new authorizations for gas stations will be granted only if the facility provides at least one alternative fuel: this is the crux of the draft of the Competition Bill, which includes incentives of up to €60,000 for the conversion of stations towards electric charging and other renewable sources.

The draft, as reported by various sources, establishes that starting from January 1, 2028, administrations will not be able to grant new authorizations to gas stations that do not provide for the distribution of at least one alternative energy carrier to fossil fuels. These include electricity, hydrogen, biofuels, biomethane, and other renewable synthetic fuels. Therefore, this regulation changes the basic criterion for issuing authorizations and makes the availability of an alternative carrier a prerequisite for opening a new facility.

Incentives for conversion

To facilitate the transition, the text provides for contributions of up to 50% of costs, with a maximum cap of €60,000 for each converted station, destined for the installation of high-power charging columns (minimum suggested threshold 90 kW) or facilities for biofuels. The necessary resources for the years 2028–2030 are mentioned as being covered by the Transformation Fund for the network and additional multi-year allocations.

For stations in internal areas, the draft also states that traditional fuel will continue to be available: in these cases, the contribution amount is reduced (maximum €30,000) and the conversion must integrate the alternative without eliminating the presence of fossil fuel. Anyone wanting to upgrade their station will still have to provide for at least one alternative source: outside internal areas, they can then decide whether to keep fossil fuels, while in internal areas, fossil fuels must be maintained to avoid leaving the territory uncovered.

In addition, the measure includes compensation for operators who decide or are forced to close their activities, with maximum limits and mechanisms for distributing funds; there is also provision for additional resources through mechanisms related to CO2 emission quota auctions and specific allocations to accelerate the adaptation of the network.

Reasons for making energy alternatives a requirement for new authorizations will push operators to design stations from the outset with electric charging columns or biofuel facilities, as these will be the useful solutions to obtain approval. However, the challenge remains to ensure comprehensive coverage, as the obligation does not automatically address the costs of electrical connection nor guarantee affordable rates for users without private charging.