European Union Commits 650 Million Euro to Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure for a Sustainable Future
The European Union has announced a significant investment of close to 650 million euro aimed at strengthening cross-border energy infrastructure across member states. This funding, delivered through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), will support 14 projects focused on electricity and hydrogen infrastructure to bolster energy security and promote renewable energy integration.
Approximately 470 million euro has been allocated to six electricity projects. Among these, the AGUAYO II reversible pumped-storage hydroelectric plant in Spain stands out with a grant of 180 million euro. Other initiatives include modernising Slovakia's Cierny Vah hydro storage facility, developing a smart grid linking Romania and Bulgaria, and enhancing the Baltic regions energy resilience through the Baltic Synchronisation project.
Hydrogen infrastructure also features prominently in the funding plan, with 176 million euro dedicated to projects across the EU. Notably, Germany's Gronau hydrogen storage project will receive 120 million euro to develop underground hydrogen storage facilities. Additional support will go to projects in Austria, Bulgaria, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Slovakia, aimed at expanding hydrogen storage and transmission capacity to facilitate the green energy transition.
Dan Jorgensen, EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing, emphasised that a robust and autonomous Energy Union must be underpinned by integrated and secure energy infrastructure. He explained that the funded projects will improve Euoples competitiveness and energy independence, aligning with the EU's climate and energy goals.
The selection process involved rigorous assessment under the Projects of Common Interest (PCI) or Projects of Mutual Interest (PMI) lists within the TEN-E (Trans-European Networks for Energy) framework. Projects were evaluated based on their ability to strengthen cross-border links, support renewable energy integration, and contribute to the EU's climate ambitions. The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) is responsible for finalising grant agreements with the project beneficiaries.
Looking ahead, the next CEF call for proposals on energy infrastructure is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026. This continued funding illustrates the EU's commitment to fostering a resilient, sustainable, and interconnected energy system that supports its decarbonisation and energy security objectives.