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European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency
News article18 January 2022European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency

CEF Energy: supporting Smart Grids to fulfil EU energy targets

smart grids

Smart grids deployment has been identified in the TEN-E Regulation as one of the 12 trans-European energy infrastructure priority corridors and thematic areas.

Smart grid projects play a key role in implementing digital communication technologies across the European Union to efficiently integrate large amounts of electricity generated from renewable or distributed energy sources, connecting all users for an effective demand response. These projects also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They are therefore subject to be awarded the Project of Common Interest (PCI) status, which means that they can benefit from fast track EU financial assistance in the form of grants for studies and works under Connecting Europe Facility Energy programme (CEF Energy).

There are currently four ongoing smart grids actions which have been co-funded by CEF Energy with a total EC contribution of over EUR 250 million. Keep reading to learn more about them and how they contribute to improve energy security and supply across Europe!

  • SINCRO.GRID (phase I and phase II): these two actions aim to implement innovative solutions to increase the capacity and flexibility of the cross-border network for a more reliable supply and larger integration of renewable energy sources in Slovenia and Croatia. Both actions are coming to a successful closure during the first half of 2022, with a CEF Energy support of around EUR 42 million. Read more about the latest onsite visit of our team here.
  • ACON (Again COnnected Networks): the action is benefiting from CEF Energy funding since 2018. With a CEF Energy support of EUR 91million, it aims to foster the integration of the Czech and the Slovak electricity markets, increase the competition in the region, and ensure adequate quality, safety and reliability of electricity supply. The action should be completed by December 2024.
  • Danube InGrid: supported by CEF Energy since 2020, this action aims to foster the integration of the Slovak and the Hungarian electricity markets, improve the efficient cooperation at the transmission and distribution levels, ensure quality, safety and reliability of electricity also by increasing integration of renewable energy sources (RES).  The action received EUR 102 million of CEF Energy funding and it should be completed by December 2025.

The 5th list of PCIs was adopted by the EC in November 2021, and it includes five smart grid projects. All the PCIs of the 5th list and their specific information and data are now available in CINEA’s Transparency Platform.

In you want to stay tuned on the development of these actions and other supported projects, follow #CEFEnergy on social media not to miss upcoming updates!

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