EC to fast-track 166 energy projects supporting climate goals

The European Commission (EC) on Tuesday put priority status on 166 cross-border energy infrastructure projects, renewables and hydrogen included, that aim to help the bloc achieve its climate and energy goals under the European Green Deal.

Projects in the list have been designated as Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs), which will enable them to benefit from streamlined permitting and regulatory procedures. The schemes, among which are projects across the EU and plans for interconnection with countries outside the bloc, will also be eligible for EU financial support from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).

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More than half of the proposals, totalling 85, concern electricity, offshore and smart electricity grid initiatives, many of which are due to be commissioned between 2027 and 2030. In addition to the 14 carbon dioxide transport networks projects seeking to create a market for carbon capture and storage, the list includes 65 hydrogen and electrolyser projects in what is the first inclusion of these technologies in the list.

Specifically, 29 hydrogen transmission projects will be able to receive EU funds and benefit from accelerated permitting, as well as plans for 17 electrolysers, nine ammonia and seven underground hydrogen storage facilities. The majority of them will be completed by 2030.

"The inclusion of hydrogen projects for the first time in a PCI list is a major step forward and shows Europe’s commitment to lay the foundation of a European hydrogen backbone,” said Daniel Fraile, chief policy officer at Hydrogen Europe.

All projects will seek to support the EU’s goal to double its grid capacity and achieve a 42.5% renewables share by the end of the decade. The full list of proposals will now be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council for further review, which will take two months. The scrutiny period could be extended by an additional two months.

The latest list is the sixth rolling of the PCIs selection, which is made every two years.