The European Commission has opened the call for proposals under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to help finance key trans-European energy infrastructure projects. EUR 100 million will be made available for projects aimed at ending energy isolation, eliminating energy bottlenecks and to complete the European energy market.
This European money will also act as a catalyst for securing additional financing by private and public investors. With a total of €650 million for grants foreseen in 2015, this is the first of two calls planned for 2015. The deadline for applications is 29 April 2015. A decision on the selection of proposals to be funded is expected for mid-July. A fully interconnected market is a top priority of the Juncker Commission.
In order to apply for a grant, a project has to be on the list of 'projects of common interest'. A first list of projects of common interest was adopted by the European Commission in October 2013. It consists of 248 key energy infrastructure projects which, when completed, would each ensure significant benefits for at least two Member States, enhance security of supply, contribute to market integration, increased competition as well as to sustainability. The list will be updated at the end of this year.
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