Publication

Arup guide to EU decarbonisation legislation

This guide aims to provide clarity on the collective impact of the legislative items on energy, transport and carbon intensive industries over the coming decades, with a particular focus on sustainable alternative fuels produced in and outside of the EU.

Last updated: February 2025

2024 saw significant advances in European Union (EU) decarbonisation legislation, continuing the momentum from the year prior. The new and adopted legislation is driving an exponentially growing shift in the development and investment in transport and energy infrastructure in Europe and beyond.

This guide explores how different EU legislative initiatives interact to help meet emission reduction targets across key sectors. The guide also shines a spotlight on sustainable alternative fuels – including maritime and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) - and the impact of EU legislation on non-EU fuel producers.

Project planners, designers, developers, and investors in transport and energy infrastructure all need to be aware of the legislative items to stay on the front foot to capture the opportunities ahead.