The European Commission has adopted the fourth list of Projects of Common Interest (PCI) for implementing cross-border energy infrastructure in the EU.

Projects of common interest are key infrastructure projects aimed at completing the European energy market in order to help the EU achieve its energy policy and climate objectives.

Greenlink connector between Ireland and Wales

Irish projects on the list include the Celtic Interconnnector, the Greenlink connector between Ireland and Wales and the North-South interconnector.

Projects on the list benefit from a number of advantages including streamlined permit granting procedures and environmental assessments and, under specific conditions, the possibility of financial assistance.

Miguel Arias Cañete, commissioner for climate action and energy, said: "Europe's energy transition is well underway, with record levels of renewable energy and rapidly falling costs.

"But Europe's energy infrastructure must develop in the same direction and with the same speed to fully support this energy transition. That is why we are proposing to focus the new list of projects on key electricity interconnections and smart grids.

"Today's steps to boost clean energy infrastructure are another important move towards making our energy system more sustainable, more competitive and more secure – providing genuine European added value."

Vice-president for energy union Maroš Šefčovič said: "The energy union is a major driver of clean energy innovation in Europe and the rest of the world. We are making sure that this energy transition is socially fair, leads to innovation and is based on smart infrastructure, which is adapted to the needs of the future energy system.

'Enhance security of supply'

"Through our Projects of Common Interest, we are building strong and well-connected networks across Europe in order to enhance security of supply."

Electricity and smart grids account for more than 70% of the projects, mirroring the increasing role of renewable electricity in the energy system and the need for network reinforcements enabling the integration of renewables and more cross-border trade.

The number of gas projects decreased from 53 two years ago to 32, or 21 per cent of all projects on the PCI list. This is in line with the role of gas when meeting the EU’s decarbonisation objectives.

The EU gas grid has become more robust and if all ongoing PCIs are implemented, the EU should have a well-interconnected and shock-resilient gas grid by the early 2020s.

The projects on the fourth PCI list have been assessed and selected in an open, transparent and inclusive process over the past 18 months, in line with the provisions of the TEN-E Regulation.

The process has involved stakeholders active in the field of energy, such as consumer and environmental protection organisations. These groups have dynamically participated in the meetings of the regional groups.

Next steps

The Delegated Act containing the fourth PCI list adopted today will be submitted to the European parliament and the council for a two-month non-objection period, extendable once.

MEMO: Questions and answers on the projects of common interest (PCIs) in energy. All infrastructure documents including the new PCI list can be found online.