The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) held its annual CEF Energy Info Day yesterday in Brussels, unveiling the 2024 calls for proposals for Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) and the first-ever call for Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs). The event provided key details on the call priorities, evaluation process, and tips for submitting successful proposals.
Call Context and Priorities
Joachim Balke, Head of the Infrastructure and Regional Cooperation Unit at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy (DG Energy), opened by outlining the European energy infrastructure policy context driving the calls. He emphasised how the PCI and PMI projects aim to support the goals of the European Green Deal, Paris Agreement, 2030 climate targets, and long-term EU decarbonisation objectives.
TEN-E and changes to funding
Some of the biggest topics of the day came as a result of the 2022 TEN-E legislation, which lays down guidelines for the timely development and interoperability of energy infrastructure priority corridors and areas that contribute to ensuring climate change mitigation. The regulation has brought a number of significant changes to the focus - and application - of the call. These amendments and new priorities include:
- New priority corridors and areas: with a strong focus on electricity and offshore grid development.
- New eligible infrastructure categories: hydrogen networks, electrolysers, smart gas grids.
- No support for oil and natural gas projects: (except for interconnections of Cyprus and Malta).
- Introduction of infrastructure projects with third countries: PMIs.
Energy infrastructure is a key enabler in the transition to a climate-neutral economy. The TEN-E policy aims for the timely development and interoperability of priority energy infrastructure corridors that contribute to climate change mitigation, energy security, market integration and competition benefiting all Member States.
The TEN-E regulation defines a comprehensive policy framework for project selection, regulatory measures, permitting and EU financial assistance for PCIs and PMIs. This includes criteria like cost-benefit analysis, sustainability objectives, and demonstrating significant positive externalities and lack of commercial viability to be eligible for grants.
Call Priorities and Budget
Frank Heseler from DG Energy detailed the priorities of the 2024 CEF Energy Multi-Annual Work Programme underlying the calls. These include:
- Further integration of an efficient, competitive EU internal energy market.
- Improving cross-border and cross-sector network interoperability.
