Welcome to the Alliance
The Renewable and Low-Carbon Fuels Value Chain Industrial Alliance is an initiative dedicated to advancing the production and supply of renewable and low-carbon fuels in the aviation and waterborne sectors. We are a crucial component of the FuelEU Maritime and RefuelEU Aviation Regulations, working hand-in-hand to drive the transition towards a more sustainable future.
Who we are
The Alliance is a collaborative effort that began on April 6, 2022. It brings together a diverse range of stakeholders from the transport fuels and related value chains. Our members include industry leaders, technology and finance providers, civil society organisations, government bodies, and more. We connect both the supply and demand sides of the aviation and waterborne sectors, as well as various stakeholders engaged in fuels production and related activities.
Our vision
The objective of the Alliance is to ensure that aviation and waterborne transport have sufficient access to renewable and low carbon fuels, while taking into account the future use of these fuels in road transport, and thus contribute to the reduction in the transport sector’s GHG emissions by 90 percent by 2050. Currently, supply of these fuels is very limited and concentrated on road transport leaving aviation and waterborne transport far behind. Demand will quickly grow due to regulatory requirements of ReFuelEU Aviation and FuelEU Maritime. Therefore, particular focus is needed to develop fuel production, storage and distribution capacity for aviation and waterborne transport.
Membership benefits of RLCF Alliance
Collaboration & NetworkingConnect with industry leaders and policy makers.
Engage in knowledge-sharing.
Access exclusive events and roundtables.
Influence & ImpactShape industry initiatives.
Contribute to sustainability objectives.
Resources & SupportGrow projects’ visibility and bankability in the RLCF Pipeline.
Gain access to project development tools.
Learn about and access financial and technical assistance.
The RLCF Label
To support projects focused on producing sustainable fuels for aviation and maritime transport as well as building a credible pipeline of projects, the Renewable and Low-Carbon Fuels Industrial Alliance (RLCF Alliance) has designed a labelling scheme. This scheme highlights credible, mature projects that offer significant EU value, helping them progress towards investment decisions and full-scale production.
To qualify for the RLCF label, projects are assessed against a predefined framework and criteria, developed by the Task Force on Labelling (TF-Labelling) and approved by the RLCF Alliance, with oversight from the Steering Group. Following evaluation, applicants will be informed of the outcome if their project meets the requirements.
The labelling process follows a two-tier validation system within the alliance. Every four months, the TF-Labelling and DG MOVE review project responses submitted via the online questionnaire. The TF-Labelling then recommends eligible projects for the label, with the Steering Group providing the final approval.
By earning the label, projects gain greater visibility and recognition, showcasing their attractiveness and EU value. The label also serves as a trusted reference for investors, public authorities, and offtakers, making it easier to compare projects and improving access to technical support—such as assistance from the European Investment Bank (EIB).
Who can apply?
To apply for the label, the project developer, owner, or promoter must complete the online application form: https://link.europa.eu/cvnvfynp
If the applicant is not already an RLCF Alliance member, they will be invited to join the alliance by submitting a membership declaration: https://link.europa.eu/txfkhhxd
Former RLCF Project Pipeline
The RLCF Label replaces the former RLCF Project Pipeline with a qualitative assessment of projects. Projects that were part of the RLCF Project Pipeline:
Join us in our mission
To become a member of the Alliance, an organisation must sign our declaration, which signifies their dedication to our shared vision. This commitment entails actively contributing to our operational work and collaborating to realise our goals. Together, we aim to make a significant impact on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector, towards the overall objective of a 90% decrease by 2050.
The Alliance is open to all companies and organisations, EU bodies, EU Member States, local and regional authorities, social partner organisations, civil society groups, and members of Horizon Europe Partnerships. We remain committed to welcoming new members throughout our operation.
Membership eligibility
The Renewable and Low-Carbon Fuels Value Chain Industrial Alliance welcomes a wide range of entities to join our collaborative effort. We believe that the collective strength of diverse stakeholders is essential to achieving our mission. Our membership is open to the following categories:
Companies and Organisations: Whether you're an industry leader, a technology provider, or an organisation involved in the value chain of renewable and low-carbon fuels, we encourage your participation.
EU Bodies and Agencies: We extend an invitation to EU bodies and agencies that share our vision and objectives.
Member States: National and regional authorities have a vital role to play in our mission, and we invite their participation.
Local and Regional Authorities and Their Agencies: Local governments and their affiliated agencies are encouraged to become members, contributing to the regional dimensions of our work.
Recognised Social Partner Organisations: Organisations recognised as social partners are pivotal in fostering collaboration, and we value their participation.
Other Stakeholder Groups: Various stakeholder groups, including academic institutions, research bodies, and other entities, are encouraged to join and bring their expertise to our collaborative platform.
Civil Society Organisations: We understand the importance of civil society and its role in shaping sustainable policies and practices. We welcome civil society organisations to join us.
Members of Horizon Europe Partnerships: Organisations and entities involved in Horizon Europe Partnerships, particularly those with a focus on sustainable transport, are invited to participate in our alliance.
Our value chain
The European aviation and maritime sectors rely on a complex value chain for sustainable fuel supply. It begins with feedstock sourcing, involving materials like biomass and waste, which undergo advanced conversion processes to create aviation and maritime fuels.
These fuels are then distributed to European airports and ports. Financial and technological support from investors, technology providers, and financial institutions is crucial. Governments and civil society organisations also play key roles in ensuring low-carbon and environmentally responsible fuels.
How the Alliance is set up
After more than two years of successful development and deliverables by the four thematic Roundtables, the Alliance has introduced a new structure to propose a more efficient working method at its General Assembly in December 2024. A Program and Monitoring Group (P&MG) is composed of 20 members following an internal call for expression of interest call. It has merged the former 4 Roundtables and will develop the work plan of the Alliance. In addition, more activities will involve all Alliance members (dissemination exercises), specific deliverables will be provided by ad-hoc task forces (e.g. the Labelling task force).
All members of the alliance have the right to participate in the General Assembly.
The General Assembly discusses and endorses the alliance work plan for the coming year, with operational objectives and milestones proposed by the P&MG. Members implement the work plan through specific task forces and disseminate the work in webinars or workshops. Their work is supported by an Alliance Secretariat.
Timeline
- 26 February 20264th General Assembly of the RLCF Alliance
- 6 December 20243rd General Assembly of the RLCF Alliance
Open to Alliance members
- 3-6 September 2024RLCF Alliance matchmaking and showcasing at SMM in Hamburg
Open to Alliance members
- 6 June 2024RLCF alliance matchmaking and showcasing at ILA Berlin
Open to Alliance members
- 4 April 2024RLCF Alliance matchmaking and showcasing at Connect Europe Days
- 16 October 2023Second General Assembly meeting
Participation open to all the Alliance member organisations
- 22 September 2022Open call to delegate experts to participate in thematic roundtables
- 27 June 2022Proposal of the framework work plan
- 6 April 2022Open call for expressions of interest to join the Alliance
(*) If there is any conflict between the information provided during the webinar and its recording on the one hand, and the provisions set out in the official call text for the Innovation Fund calls as well as the related FAQs posted on the EU Funding & Tenders portal on the other hand, the latter two documents take precedence over the webinar information or Q&A, and act as the text of reference for the Innovation Fund calls and Project Development Assistance.
The information provided at the webinar is not of a binding nature and without prejudice to the assessment of the submitted projects.
23 February 2026
24 November 2025
6 February 2025
21 November 2024
22 January 2024
10 October 2023
27 June 2023
23 June 2023
