Projects of common interest (PCIs) in the field of energy

Projects of common interest (PCIs) in the field of energy

The European Commission has adopted the fifth list of energy Projects of Common Interest (PCIs). These PCIs are key infrastructure projects aimed at completing the European internal energy market and the EU’s climate policy targets in delivering affordable, secure and sustainable energy supply for all Europeans and contributing to a climate-neutral economy by 2050.

Published as a delegated act, the list of PCIs is submitted by the Commission to the European Parliament and Council, who have two months to decide whether to accept or object to the list. This period of two months may be extended by an additional two months upon their request.

This fifth PCI list includes 98 projects: 67 projects in electricity transmission and storage, 20 in gas, six CO2 network projects and five smart grid projects. All PCI projects are subject to streamlined permitting and regulatory procedures and eligible for financial support from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) energy facility in accordance with the Trans-European Network-Energy (TEN-E) Regulation which is currently under revision. In general, the CEF energy supports the construction and upgrade of sustainable energy infrastructure projects, including cross-border projects in the field of renewable energy.

The 67 electricity transmission and storage projects on the PCI list will make an important contribution to the increased renewable energy ambition under the European Green Deal. The five smart grid projects will improve efficiency of the networks, cross-border data coordination and safer grid management. The full list of projects can be found here.

The benefits of the PCI list are as follows:

streamlined permit granting procedures (a binding three-and-a-half-year time limit);

improved, faster and better streamlined environmental assessment;

a single national competent authority (one-stop-shop) coordinating all permit granting procedures;

a procedure allowing for the allocation of investment (construction) costs among Member States benefiting from the PCI;

eligibility for financial assistance under the CEF in the form of grants and innovative financial instruments.

The European Commission adopts every two years the list of PCIs in the form of a delegated act according to the TEN-E Regulation.

Funding and Tenders

Projects selected as PCIs can automatically benefit from many advantages stemming from the TEN-E Regulation, including an accelerated permit granting and improved regulatory treatment. However, it must be highlighted that there is no guarantee of EU financing for projects on the PCI list.

CO2 Network

Studies

8 Actions
€ 43 million

Works

1 Action
€ 102.1 million

EU Funding

9 Actions
€ 145.1 million

Studies

114 Actions
€ 518.7 million

CO2 Network

8 Actions
€ 43 million

Works

35 Actions
€ 4.2 billion

CO2 Network

1 Action
€ 102.1 million

EU Funding

149 Actions
€ 4.7 billion

CO2 Network

9 Actions
€ 145.1 million

In the 2014-2020 CEF energy budget period, 107 PCIs have benefited from allocated grants for works and studies worth €4.7 billion in total.

The next call for proposals for PCIs to receive grants under the CEF energy is planned for the first half of 2022. Project promoters will be able to apply for grants for studies and for construction works. Open calls are listed here.

In addition to CEF funding, PCIs can also apply for support under other EU programmes, such as the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI), and the European Structural & Investment Funds (ESIF), in particular the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

For further details on the objectives, admissibility, eligibility and application concerning PICs, please feel free to contact the EUFUNDINGHUB.