Emissions generated by the transport sector will have to be reduced by at least 16 percent from 2030 onwards, as established by the Transport Energy Law, approved by the Saeima in its final reading on Thursday, 27 November.

Fuel suppliers will be required to increase the share of renewable energy in their energy portfolio. Each business operator will be able to choose the most effective measures for achieving set targets. For example, existing filling stations will have the option of installing biomethane or electricity charging points, as well as offer fuel with a higher biofuel blend or fully renewable fuel.

The obligation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions applies to fuel suppliers throughout the European Union, as previously emphasised by representatives of the Ministry of Climate and Energy in response to MPs’ queries during a meeting of the Economic, Agricultural, Environmental and Regional Policy Committee responsible for the draft law in the Saeima. The Ministry also stated that the requirements will not apply to fuel used in agriculture and fisheries.

In addition, the law sets new requirements for vehicles in State cities—at least 30 percent of public transport vehicles will have to use renewable energy. Existing vehicles may continue to be used if they are adapted to operate on cleaner energy, for example, by switching to biofuel, biomethane, or electricity.

The law stipulates that new high-capacity electric charging points, as well as filling stations for renewable and non-biological fuels shall be built on and near the main roads of the Trans-European Transport Network, particularly to meet the needs of freight transport. Furthermore, when building a new filling station or rebuilding an existing one, business operators will be required to provide at least one electric charging point or alternative fuel filling point.

The law will enter into force on 1 January 2026.

Saeima Press Service