The European Commission has allocated nearly $1.35 billion in grants under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to fund 41 cross-border energy infrastructure projects across the European Union. This funding marks the largest round of support under the current CEF Energy programme, surpassing the original budget of $900 million. It represents a key step in Europe’s ongoing energy transition efforts.

The selected projects, recognized as Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs) under the Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E) framework, aim to enhance energy security, integrate markets, and promote decarbonization. This funding round is the first under the revised TEN-E Regulation, which now includes hydrogen and offshore electricity grid projects.

Key investments include:

• Electricity Infrastructure: $810 million for eight electricity grid projects, including the Bornholm Energy Island in the Baltic Sea, which will receive $690 million to build a hybrid interconnector linking Denmark and Germany while integrating 3 GW of offshore wind capacity.
• Hydrogen Infrastructure: $270 million for 21 hydrogen projects across 16 EU countries, including cross-border hydrogen corridors in Spain and France.
• CO2 Infrastructure: $270 million for carbon capture and storage (CCS) initiatives, including Prinos Storage Facility in Greece and North Sea L10 CO2 Storage in the Netherlands.

The funding decision follows a positive vote by EU Member States on January 28, 2025. The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) will now finalize grant agreements with beneficiaries.

The next CEF Energy call for proposals is expected in 2025, further accelerating the green transition and enhancing Europe’s energy security.

Source: solarquarter.com