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.
