EU to draw list of key energy projects

The European Commission has launched a public consultation for drawing the list of Projects of Common Interest (PCI). Once identified and selected as PCI, these projects will benefit from faster permitting, lower costs and potentially even funding.

As a first step, projects for electricity, gas, smart grids, oil and CO2 networks need to be submitted. Next, they need to be identified as candidate for PCI. Then, there is the selection process. Several criteria need to be fulfilled. The project must contribute to energy market integration, boost competition, create security of supply and must be sustainable.

So far, three EU wide PCI lists have been completed. This is the forth call for PCI, which should be ready by the end of 2019. Companies and associations should promote their projects until 20 May 2019.