These cross-projects will strengthen energy connectivity across the continent, bringing nearer the completion of the Energy Union. By allowing vital interconnections across the EU and with neighbouring countries, these projects can play a strategic role in increasing EU’s competitiveness, decarbonisation, and enhancing Europe’s energy security and independence.
According to a recent Commission study, investment needs in European energy infrastructure – electricity, hydrogen, and CO2 networks – will near €1.5 trillion from 2024 to 2040. This project lineup and the related expected investments volumes will contribute to reaching the needs identified for 2040.
The list of selected PCIs and PMIs includes:
- 113 electricity, offshore and smart electricity grid projects that will be essential for integrating the growing share of renewables.
- 100 hydrogen and electrolyser projects which will play a major role in integrating and decarbonising the EU’s energy system.
- 17 carbon transport infrastructure projects that will advance the development of the market for carbon capture and storage.
- 3 smart gas grids projects to digitalise and modernise the natural gas network.
- the continued inclusion of 2 long-standing projects linking Malta and Cyprus to the mainland European gas network.
The Commission will support the implementation of these projects through stepped-up political coordination with the Member States concerned, drawing on the Energy Union Task Force and the regional High-Level Groups designed to support energy infrastructure development in key regions, including with partner countries. As highlighted in the Commission’s Affordable Energy Action Plan, an efficient energy network is crucial for enabling the clean energy transition and ensuring energy is accessible and affordable for both industries and households across Europe.
Ensuring a well-integrated and optimised European energy grid is equally crucial to accelerating a cost-efficient and clean energy transition. The Commission will soon present the European Grids Package to further accelerate the development of the necessary energy infrastructure in Europe. It will also elaborate on the Energy Highways initiative, launched by President von der Leyen in her latest State of the European Union address, which will urgently tackle cross-border energy infrastructure bottlenecks, and increase the overall resilience of the EU’s energy system.
Source: European Commission
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