Construction BUSINESS

The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Energy has announced the launch of a new call for proposals, inviting submissions for key cross-border EU energy infrastructure projects. This initiative is in accordance with the revised Trans-European Network – Energy (TEN-E) Regulation (EU) 2022/869 and aims to bolster energy connectivity and sustainability across the European Union.

With €850 million allocated from the EU budget, the call will provide funding for studies and works related to Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs). The submission period for proposals will open on April 30 and close on October 22, 2024.

This year’s call expands the scope to include hydrogen and electrolyser projects, as well as offshore projects, in addition to the traditional categories such as electricity, smart electricity grids, and CO2 networks. Interested parties can find detailed information about the call on the Funding and Tenders Portal.

To provide further insights into the call, its policy context, and the application and evaluation process, CEF Energy will host a virtual info day on May 14, 2024, from 14:00 to 17:00.

Background:

PCIs and PMIs are essential infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the European internal energy market and supporting the EU’s energy and climate objectives. These projects play a crucial role in delivering affordable, secure, and sustainable energy while advancing towards a climate-neutral economy by 2050. PMIs specifically focus on cross-border energy infrastructure projects between the EU and non-EU countries, aligning with the Union’s energy and climate policy objectives.

Energy infrastructure serves as a cornerstone for the energy transition, as highlighted in the European Green Deal communication by the Commission.

Projects designated as PCIs and PMIs benefit from various advantages outlined in the TEN-E Regulation, including streamlined permit granting processes and improved regulatory treatment. Additionally, projects listed under PCIs and PMIs are eligible to apply for financial support through the CEF Energy program.

With a grant budget of €5.84 billion allocated for the period 2021-2027, CEF Energy aims to facilitate the development of crucial energy infrastructure projects that contribute to the EU’s energy goals and enhance energy security and sustainability across the region.