CEF Energy: almost EUR 2 billion requested for energy infrastructure projects

CINEA has received 13 project proposals requesting approximately EUR 1.86 billion of funding for works and studies of cross-border infrastructure projects under the Connecting Europe Facility for Energy (CEF Energy).

With a total budget of EUR 750 million available, the call under CEF Energy aims to support works and studies that will enable Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) to be implemented within the framework of the deployment of trans-European networks in the energy sector.

Works include the purchase, supply and deployment of components, systems and services including software, the development, construction and installation activities relating to a PCI, the acceptance of installations and the launching of a PCI. 10 proposals for works have been received.

Studies include activities needed to prepare PCI implementation, such as preparatory, mapping, feasibility, evaluation, testing and validation studies, including in the form of software, and any other technical support measure, including prior action to define and develop a PCI and decide on its financing, such as reconnaissance of the sites concerned and preparation of the financial package. 3 proposals for studies have been received.

The proposals submitted represent a total of 12 countries and cover the following sectors: electricity, smart grids, gas and cross-border CO2 networks.

What’s next?

The proposals which have passed the admissibility and eligibility scrutiny (currently ongoing) will be evaluated against the specific award criteria of the call. The entire evaluation process is expected to be concluded by January 2024 at the latest when the results will be announced.

The aim is to select projects that contribute to build well-integrated energy infrastructure networks, that are needed for the energy transition, as they facilitate the integration of renewable energy, enhance security of supply, and help keep energy prices in check. The allocation of CEF funds therefore supports the implementation of the European Green Deal and is in line with the recently launched REPowerEU Plan, which outlines a plan to make Europe independent from Russian fossil fuels by 2030.