CEF Energy has invested €4.7 billion in 80 electricity actions that are helping to modernise and connect Europe’s power grid. These actions include the construction of new interconnectors, including hybrid assets, and upgrades to internal grid infrastructure across the EU. The goal is to make it easier to integrate renewable energy, boost cross-border electricity exchanges, and ensure that every EU country is part of the European grid.
Since the start of the programme, CEF Energy co-funding has contributed to the expansion of the EU energy grid with 14,227 km of new electricity lines, allowing energy to flow both ways between Member States - including with neighbouring countries - helping to remove regional bottlenecks. Thanks to this expanded grid, Europe can now transmit an additional 106 GW of electricity and has increased its storage capacity to 118 GWh.
By making the grid smarter and stronger, these projects support the trade of electricity across borders, contributing to more stable prices across the EU. They also allow bringing more renewable energy into the energy system – a crucial step as Europe moves towards a clean, integrated energy future.
Flagship projects
This innovative project will connect multiple wind farms together via a single offshore energy hub on the Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea. From there, 3 GW of offshore green electricity will be brought onshore and distributed throughout Denmark and Germany, helping to power millions of homes and businesses with clean electricity. At the same time, the project will contribute to market integration between the two countries.
To make this possible, CEF Energy is funding the construction of two new converter stations in Denmark (one on Bornholm and one in Zealand), and the installation of an extensive submarine cable system between Zealand and Bornholm. This infrastructure will serve as a crucial bridge between offshore generation and consumers, enabling electricity to flow flexibly where it is needed most. By building this connection, the project will enhance the security of the electricity supply in Denmark and Germany and further to other EU countries, supporting the integration of renewable energy sources in the region.
EU contribution: €645.2 million
Also known as the SE Integrator, this project carries out studies to prepare the way for the modernisation and hybridisation of the Čierny Váh pumped hydro energy storage plant in Slovakia, one of the country’s key energy storage facilities. The studies will define the technical specifications for hybridisation, including market simulations, financial gap assessments, and detailed designs for hydro, electro-mechanical, civil engineering and digital control systems. It will prepare the ground for upgrading two of the plant’s six units to variable-speed turbines for improved operational efficiency, while also defining a hybridisation system to optimise the integration of a large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) of up to 80 MW and 160 MWh.
This innovative project is among the first in Europe to combine traditional pumped hydro storage with battery storage on such a scale. By delivering a comprehensive solution that integrates both technologies, the project will enhance the flexibility and efficiency of the Slovak grid and provide valuable lessons for the wider European energy system.
EU Contribution: €2.1 million