SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Energy
CEF Energy, which is part of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), invests in improvements to existing infrastructure and development of new infrastructure for a strong trans-European energy network (TEN-E).
As a financing instrument, CEF Energy contributes to the further integration of the European energy market, improvements to the interoperability of energy networks across borders and sectors, facilitation of the low-carbon economy, and ensuring energy security.
In short
CEF Energy overview
For whom?
Legal entities (public or private bodies) stablished in one of the eligible countries
When to apply
Each year, new calls for proposals for CEF Energy are published. Recent and current call rounds are:
- Cross-border renewable energy projects – Works and Studies: call was open from 19 December 2023 to 6 February 2024 (17:00 CET).
- Projects of Common Interest (PCI) – Works & Studies: this call was open from 30 April to 22 October 2024 (17:00 CET).
- Cross-border renewable energy projects – CB RES status application: call was open from 3 september 2024 to 7 January 2025 (17:00 CET).
- Cross-border renewable energy projects – Works and Studies: call was open from 22 October 2024 to 16 January 2025 (17:00 CET).
- Projects of Common Interest (PCI) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMI) – Works & Studies: this call is open from 3 April to 16 September 2025 (17:00 CET).
How much?
For the entire period (2021 to 2027), CEF Energy has a budget of 5.84 billion euros to support European projects. Budget for the currently open 2025 call is 600 million.
The grant covers up to 50% of the eligible project costs of studies and works and a maximum of 75% for the costs of projects which enable high security of supply, system flexibility, solidarity or innovation.
For what?
For the current call for Projects of Common Interest (PCI) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMI) – Works & Studies, the following is eligible:
- Studies (including exploratory studies, feasibility studies, evaluation, testing and validation studies, site surveys) contributing to the preparation of the
implementation of a PCI or a PMI, or - Works implementation projects (including procurement, supply and implementation of components, systems and services, development, construction and installation works, delivery of installations).
Overview of
CEF Energy themes
- Smart energy networks/smart grids
- Cross-border electricity networks
- Gas interconnections
- Electricity storage
- Cross-border CO2 transport and storage networks
Besides the usual categories, as of 2024 hydrogen and electrolysers, and offshore projects that are on the latest PCI and PMI list can apply as well for funding.
Meet the requirements
CEF Energy conditions
There are a number of terms of eligibility associated with this grant scheme, including the following:
To qualify for CEF Energy funding, a project must be included on the European list of Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) or Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs).
Among other things, a project must contribute to the European energy objectives, increase competition, and have a significant impact on the market of at least two European countries. This should be supported by Member State support letters.
In many cases also a mandatory Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA), cross-border cost allocation (CBCA), Business plan and other assessments and an evaluation carried out by the relevant national authority needs to be added to the application.
Get in touch
What can EGEN do for you?
If you have ideas for a project that is a match for one of the CEF Energy themes, please tell us about them. We can also support you hands on with the development of the mandatory CBA, CBCA and business plans. We have already handled numerous successful CEF Energy grant applications and would be happy to help you too!
“The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is a key financing instrument for modernising and expanding Europe’s energy infrastructure. This infrastructure is an essential basic requirement for EU growth, jobs and competitiveness.”
Contact Joep Raats →
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