Investing in new energy infrastructure: Green light for EU grants worth nearly €1 billion

Yesterday, EU Member States agreed on a Commission proposal to invest €998 million in key European energy infrastructure projects under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). Financial aid will be provided for works and studies on ten projects, in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal; 84% of the funding goes to electricity or smart grid projects. The largest amount goes to the Baltic Synchronisation Project (€720 million), to better integrate the electricity markets of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Meeting with the Lithuanian President and the Prime Ministers of Estonia, Latvia and Poland this morning to celebrate the funding to the Baltic Synchronisation Project, President Ursula von der Leyen said: “Today is a very important day for Europe. It is a landmark moment in ending the isolation of the Baltic energy market. This project is good for connecting Europe, good for our energy security, and it is good for the European Green Deal.” Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson said: “These ten projects will contribute to a more modern, secure and smart energy infrastructure system, which is crucial for delivering the European Green Deal and meeting our ambitious 2030 climate targets. Yesterday’s decision marks a decisive step in the Baltic Synchronisation process in particular, a project of European strategic interest. These investments will help sustain the EU’s economic recovery and create jobs.” Among the ten projects, there are two for electricity transmission, one for smart electricity grids, six for CO2 transport, and one for gas. The President’s remarks at this morning’s meeting are available here and a press release on the funding for the ten projects is available here.