Electricity, Gas, Smart Grids and CO₂ networks - Studies

Both topics under this call will support the implementation of PCIs within the framework of the deployment of trans-European networks in the energy sector.

As laid down in Regulation (EU) 347/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2013 on guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure (TEN-E Regulation), PCIs must contribute to at least one of the energy infrastructure priority corridors and thematic areas, feature overall benefits outweighing its costs and meet general and specific criteria in relation to their cross-border impact, market integration, competition, sustainability, security of supply and contribution to the decarbonisation of the energy sector. It is considered that the EU added value of an action related to a PCI is demonstrated by the PCI status itself.

In accordance with Article 20(4) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1153, particular consideration shall be given to PCIs and related projects aimed at further integrating the internal market for energy, ending energy isolation and eliminating electricity interconnection bottlenecks with emphasis on those PCIs contributing to the achievement of the interconnection target of at least 10% by 2020 and 15% by 2030 and PCIs contributing to synchronisation of electricity systems with the EU networks. In line with article 3 (2) b) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1153, this call for proposal puts priority on technologies and PCIs contributing to the decarbonisation of the economy.

It is expected that the financial assistance contributes to further the development and the implementation of PCIs, helping to achieve the broader TEN-E energy policy objectives.

As indicated in section 4 of the Annex to the Multi-annual Work Programme, it is expected that the financial assistance contributes to the further development and implementation of PCIs in electricity, smart grids, gas and cross-border carbon dioxide networks helping to achieve the broader CEF energy policy objectives of:

• further integration of an efficient and competitive internal energy market,
• interoperability of networks across borders and sectors,
• facilitating decarbonisation of the economy, promoting energy efficiency and ensuring security of supply;

In accordance with recital 5 of the CEF Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 and in line with the Multi-annual Work Programme, this call for proposals aims at financing projects contributing to the goals and objectives of the European Green Deal, as well as the Paris Agreement and the 2030 climate and enegy targets and the EU's mid-term and long-term objectives in terms of decarbonisation.

This topic refers to projects for studies contributing to the implementation of a PCI. Studies in the meaning of CEF-Energy include activities needed to prepare PCI implementation, such as preparatory, mapping, feasibility, evaluation, testing and validation studies, including in the form of software, and any other technical support measure, including prior action to define and develop a PCI and decide on its financing, such as reconnaissance of the sites concerned and preparation of the financial package.

Only projects contributing to PCIs as identified in the Commission Delegated Regulation 2022/564 shall be eligible for support through EU financial aid in the form of grants. Pursuant to Article 14(1) of the TEN-E Regulation, PCIs falling under the categories set out in Annex II.1, 2 and 4 of the TEN-E Regulation are eligible for EU financial assistance in the form of grants for studies. Please note that failure to comply with the eligibility criteria indicated above will lead to the rejection of the application.