Completing the Energy Union: EU invests €48 million in priority energy infrastructure

For Europe to transition to a clean and modern economy - a goal of the Energy Union and a priority of the Juncker Commission - it is necessary to adapt European infrastructure to the future needs of the energy system. Properly interconnected electricity lines and gas pipelines form the backbone of an integrated European energy market anchored on the principle of solidarity. A fully interconnected market will improve Europe's security of supply, reduce the dependence on single suppliers and give consumers more choice. It is also essential for renewable energy sources to thrive and for the EU deliver on its Paris Agreement commitments on climate change.

With this spirit in mind, today EU Member States agreed on a Commission proposal to invest €48.4 million in several key European energy infrastructure projects. The EU funding comes from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), the European support programme for trans-European infrastructure, and in particular from its energy window (CEF-Energy). Today’s decision grants financial aid to 8 proposals to undertake studies, of which 4 are in the electricity sector, 2 in the gas sector, 1 for smart grids, and 1 for carbon capture technology. These are important projects with major cross-border benefits and by implementing them the energy resilience of EU Member States will be strengthened.

• In the electricity sector, a grant for studies was awarded to an internal electricity line between Stanisławów and Ostrołęka in Poland, which enables the doubling of the capacity of LitPol Link1 and increases the participation of the Baltic States in the internal energy market relevant for the synchronisation project,
• On smart grids, support was approved for the Smart Border Initiative between France and Germany. The project will enable the Saarland and Lorraine regions to develop joint solutions by making better use of the region's energy efficiency and renewable energy potential.
• In the gas sector, the Connecting Europe Facility will support the reinforcement the Poland/Denmark gas interconnection which will bring gas from the North Sea directly to Poland and beyond to Central and South Eastern Europe.
• Finally, funding will also be allocated to a study for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project in the United Kingdom.

Background

Under the Connecting Europe Facility-Energy, a total of €5.35 billion has been allocated to trans-European energy infrastructure for the period 2014-2020. In order to be eligible for a grant, a proposal has to be 'a project of common interest' (PCI). When completed, the projects will each result in significant benefits for at least two Member States, enhance security of supply, contribute to market integration, and enhance competition, as well as reduce CO2 emissions. The list is updated every two years. The latest PCI list was published by the Commission in November 2017. The Connecting Europe Facility (Energy) already granted €647 million to 34 projects in 2014, €366 million to 35 projects in 2015, €707 million to 27 projects in 2016, and €873 million to 17 projects in 2017.

In the next long-term EU budget 2021-2027, the European Commission has proposed to renew the Connecting Europe Facility, allocating €42.3 billion to support investments in European infrastructure networks. Out of these, €8.7 billion will be for energy.

Related links

• List of all projects receiving EU support under the current call
• Overview of projects financed by Connecting Europe Facility – Energy in 2014-2016
• Current list of 'projects of common interest' 
• Innovation & Networks Executive Agency (INEA)