The European Union has today announced a significant step towards bolstering its energy infrastructure with the launch of a €600 million ($665 million) funding call. This initiative, under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), aims to support crucial cross-border energy projects, with a particular focus on hydrogen infrastructure, alongside electricity and carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects.

The funding, managed by the Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), will be available for both project studies and construction works. This financial boost is exclusively open to projects that have already been granted the status of Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) or Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs). These designations provide projects with streamlined permitting and regulatory processes, accelerating their development and implementation.

A significant aspect of this funding call is the strong emphasis on hydrogen infrastructure. The latest list of PCIs and PMIs includes 65 hydrogen projects, highlighting the EU's commitment to developing a robust hydrogen economy. These projects encompass vital hydrogen interconnections across Western, Central Eastern, South Eastern Europe, and the Balkans, which are essential for creating a pan-European hydrogen network. This network will facilitate the transport and utilization of clean hydrogen, a key element in the EU's strategy to achieve its ambitious climate and energy targets.

The funding opportunity will remain open until September 16, 2025, and the results of the call are expected to be announced in early 2026. This timeline provides project developers with ample opportunity to prepare and submit their proposals for these strategically important infrastructure developments.

Speaking about the funding call, Energy and Housing Commissioner Dan Jørgensen emphasized the urgent need for intensified energy investments within the EU. "Now, more than ever, we must intensify our investments to ensure a genuine Energy Union," Commissioner Jørgensen stated. "This is key to power our competitiveness, ensure our energy security, and bring down energy costs for all. Constructing the crucial missing links for seamless cross-border energy flows is essential – and the CEF’s contribution is instrumental in this respect."

The CEF Energy program, with a total budget of €5.88 billion for the period 2021-2027, serves as a vital financial instrument for supporting the development of key energy infrastructure in Europe. By focusing on cross-border projects, the program aims to enhance energy security, promote market integration, and facilitate the transition to a clean energy system. Projects selected as PCIs or PMIs not only gain access to potential funding but also benefit from accelerated permit granting and improved regulatory treatment under the Trans-European Network for Energy (TEN-E) Regulation.