The Commission has granted 235 cross-border energy projects the status of Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs) – the second such list since its launch in 2023. The selected projects will be eligible to apply for EU financing from the Connecting Europe Facility and will benefit from expedited permitting and regulatory processes for swift execution and delivery.
These cross-projects will strengthen energy connectivity across the continent, bringing nearer the completion of the Energy Union. By allowing vital interconnections across the EU and with neighbouring countries, these projects can play a strategic role in increasing EU’s competitiveness, decarbonisation, and enhancing Europe’s energy security and independence.
According to a recent Commission study, investment needs in European energy infrastructure – electricity, hydrogen, and CO2 networks – will near €1.5 trillion from 2024 to 2040. This project lineup and the related expected investments volumes will contribute to reaching the needs identified for 2040.
The list of selected PCIs and PMIs includes:
- 113 electricity, offshore and smart electricity grid projects that will be essential for integrating the growing share of renewables.
- 100 hydrogen and electrolyser projects which will play a major role in integrating and decarbonising the EU’s energy system.
- 17 carbon transport infrastructure projects that will advance the development of the market for carbon capture and storage.
- 3 smart gas grids projects to digitalise and modernise the natural gas network.
- the continued inclusion of 2 long-standing projects linking Malta and Cyprus to the mainland European gas network.
The Commission will support the implementation of these projects through stepped-up political coordination with the Member States concerned, drawing on the Energy Union Task Force and the regional High-Level Groups designed to support energy infrastructure development in key regions, including with partner countries.
As highlighted in the Commission’s Affordable Energy Action Plan, an efficient energy network is crucial for enabling the clean energy transition and ensuring energy is accessible and affordable for both industries and households across Europe.
Ensuring a well-integrated and optimised European energy grid is equally crucial to accelerating a cost-efficient and clean energy transition. The Commission will soon present the European Grids Package to further accelerate the development of the necessary energy infrastructure in Europe. It will also elaborate on the Energy Highways initiative, launched by President von der Leyen in her latest State of the European Union address, which will urgently tackle cross-border energy infrastructure bottlenecks, and increase the overall resilience of the EU’s energy system.
Next steps
Following the adoption, the PCI and PMI list will be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council in the form of a Delegated Act for scrutiny, as mandated under the TEN-E Regulation. Both co-legislators have two months to either accept or reject the list in full but may not amend it. This process can be extended by two months, if requested by the co-legislators. Once the list is adopted, the Commission will further reinforce its work with project promoters and Member States to help ensure that the selected projects are implemented as smoothly and as rapidly as possible.
This week the European Commission is hosting the PCI Energy Days, which are dedicated to the practical implementation of PCIs and PMIs. Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen will participate in the event.
For more information
Delegated Regulation on the second Union list of Projects of Common and Mutual Interest
PCI interactive map (to be updated once the new list formally enters into force)
Dashboard with CEF-funded PCIs
Trans-European Networks for Energy
Source: European Commission | Press Corner (https://tinyurl.com/59yyfwc4)