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:
- Projects of Common Interest (PCI) – Works & Studies: this call was open from 18 April to 5 September 2023 (17:00 CET).
- Cross-border Renewable Energy Projects – Preparatory Studies: this call was launched on 19 September 2023 (deadline: 9 January 2024).
- Cross-border renewable energy projects – third call for projects looking to obtain the ‘CB RES’ status: 7 November 2023 to 6 February 2024 (17:00 CET).
- Cross-border renewable energy projects – Works and Studies: call open from 19 December 2023 to 6 February 2024 (17:00 CET).
- Projects of Common Interest (PCI) – Works & Studies: this call is now open from 30 April to 22 October 2024 (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 2024 call is 850 million.
The grant covers up to 50% of the eligible project costs of studies and works and a maximum of 70% for the costs of works in outermost regions.
For what?
For the current call for Projects of Common Interest (PCI) – 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
- Integration of renewable energy into the energy network
- Cross-border electricity networks
- Cross-border CO2 transport and storage networks
- • Besides the usual categories, as of this year hydrogen and electrolysers, and offshore projects from 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.
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 have already handled several 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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