Commission invites applications for future energy infrastructure projects contributing to the EU’s climate and competitiveness goals
Today, the European Commission has opened a new call for applications for energy infrastructure projects seeking the status of Projects of Common Interest (PCI) or Projects of Mutual Interest (PMI) under the Trans-European Network for Energy (TEN-E) Regulation.
Becoming PCIs or PMIs allows energy infrastructure projects to benefit from streamlined permitting procedures and eligibility for EU funding from the Connecting Europe Facility. Once adopted, this will be the last Union list supported by the current Multi-annual Financial Framework. For the 2021-2027 period, the remaining available budget for CEF-Energy is approximately €3.5 billion.
Scaling-up and prioritising investment in clean energy infrastructure and technologies, such as renewables, grid infrastructure and CO2 networks, is one of the priorities set out in the political guidelines of President von der Leyen for the Clean Industrial Deal that will be proposed in the first 100 days of the next mandate.
This call for projects will contribute to the establishment of the second Union list of Projects of Common Interest and Projects of Mutual Interest, which is planned for adoption by the Commission by the end of 2025, following consultations with stakeholders and regulators. Electricity, hydrogen and electrolyser projects will have until 18 November 2024 to apply. For smart electricity grids, smart gas grids, CO2 and projects to end Cyprus’ and Malta’s energy isolation, the call will remain open until 18 December 2024. To be eligible for inclusion in the Union list of PCIs and PMIs, candidate projects in electricity and hydrogen must be included in the 2024 Ten-Year Network Development Plans (TYNDP) developed by the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) or Gas (ENTSOG).
