Preparatory studies cross border RES projects

Cross-border RES projects are expected to contribute to a cost-effective achievement of renewables target by 2030 in the EU (as referred to in Article 3 of Directive 2018/2001/EC) and to the strategic uptake of renewables technologies and is an integral element of the enabling framework for regional and cross-border cooperation on renewables.

Based on the provisions of Article 7 and Annex Part IV of CEF Regulation, cross-border RES projects shall promote cross-border cooperation between Member States in the field of planning, development and the cost-effective exploitation of renewable energy sources, as well as facilitate their integration through energy storage facilities and with the aim of contributing to the Union’s long term decarbonisation strategy, completing the internal energy market and enhancing the security of supply.

The objective of preparatory studies as per Article 7(3) is to assist project promoters in selecting the best project concept and setting up the cooperation agreement, allowing for projects to be supported prior to having acquired the status as a cross-border project in the fielf of renewable energy.

Preparatory studies in the meaning of Article 7(3) of CEF Regulation, allow for support to both EU Member States but also private project promoters in order to advance cooperation ideas, create momentum amongst involved stakeholders and with this generate a pipeline of cross-border renewable projects. It allows specifically support to the project before being included in the Union list of cross-border RES projects.

The purpose of support for preparatory studies is to overcome the obstacles that have in the past prevented cooperation projects from going ahead, such as uncertainty on the allocation of costs and benefits between involved Member States or the additional complexity of setting up cross-border support.

Applications related to preparatory studies must comply with the CEF Regulation and with the specific conditions set out in this call.

A study as per Article 7(3) can be designed as a pre-feasibility study. The funding can also be used to provide technical, economic or legal support in setting up or advancing cross-border cooperation with the objective to select the best project concept. As part of such a preparatory study, it is possible to cover also some wider system-related aspects, e.g. the integration of additional storage investments, or of transport and/or digital related investments for synergetic elements.

A study as per Article 7(3) can be used to start exploring (mainly through desktop studies) the possible sites in the territory of Member States (or third countries) in order to determine the hosting and participating countries, as well as other exploratory tasks needed to assess the overall cost and benefits of the project. It should allow identifying and formalising the underpinning cooperation mechanism and may include communication and stakeholder involvement activities.

The study may also investigate the best form of support, such as the auctioning and tendering set-up as well as all aspects for which national grid, market and other rules differ in the participating Member States and would need to be agreed upon.

To be noted that, further to the exceptions for applicants to demonstrate the financial capacity provided in section 7, the need to demonstrate financial capacity does not apply to transmission system operators certified following the procedures laid down in Articles 10 or 11 of Directive 2009/72/EC or Articles 10 or 11 of Directive 2009/73/EC and Joint Undertakings established in the EU which qualify as public bodies.