Last April, ‘CEF Energy’ launched a grant call for large cross-border projects that will improve Europe’s energy infrastructure. Proposals can still be submitted… until 5 September 2023. Can’t make it in time? Or are you looking for a critical review or expert improvements? EGEN can offer help! Read more in the article below.
Objective of CEF Energy
The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is a series of European grant programs on Europe’s infrastructure, with CEF Energy focusing on the Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E). The current CEF Energy program for 2021-2027 has a total budget of 5.8 billion Euros. Projects can only apply for CEF funding if they have ‘PCI status’. These PCI’s (Projects of Common Interest) refer to an official list of major European infrastructure projects, including 9 priority corridors and 3 priority themes.
Cross-border call for energy infrastructure projects
On 18 April 2023, the European Commission launched a CEF Energy call for ‘cross-border’ energy infrastructure projects (electricity, gas, smart grids and CO2-networks). The grant budget totals 750 million Euros. The funding is available for the preparation and development of PCI projects. Or to be more precise: for ‘Studies’ and ‘Works’ respectively.
• Studies (in the sense of CEF-Energy) are aimed at preparing a PCI. For example: exploratory studies, feasibility studies, evaluation, testing and validation studies, and site surveys. But also other activities in preparation for defining and developing the PCI, and deciding on its funding.
• Works involve project activities in the setting up of a PCI. More specifically, this involves the purchase, delivery and implementation of components, systems and services (including software), development, construction and installation activities, the delivery of installations, and the launch of a PCI.
Projects must be mentioned on the 5th PCI list. Proposals can be submitted until 5 September 2023 (17:00 CET).
‘Cost Benefit Analysis’ required
During a recent CINEA webinar on the call, it was stressed that for projects to be eligible they should demonstrate that a) they will generate ‘significant positive external effects’ and b) they have no commercial viability. Writing a good CEF application requires specific expertise. To submit a high-quality proposal, EGEN provides clients with CEF-Energy grant support. In addition, we can also assist in performing a Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA), highlighting the positive externalities and providing insight in the commercial viability of the project.
What can EGEN do for you?
EGEN is highly experienced in both writing and developing CEF projects. For example, we supported the North Sea Wind Power Hub consortium (including TenneT, Gasunie and Energinet) in a successful CEF-Energy grant application for a project on wind power hubs. For more information about this project: read this article (in Dutch) or visit the international project website.
Do you want to know more about CEF-Energy and how EGEN can support you with your project or application? Please fill in the contact form below and we will contact you ASAP.
