The European Commission has officially opened its call for applications for major energy infrastructure developments seeking the coveted Project of Common Interest (PCI) or Project of Mutual Interest (PMI) status.
Operating under the revised Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E) Regulation, this initial funding window specifically targets cross-border projects within the hydrogen, industrial electrolyzer, and CO2 transport and storage categories within the EU.
Securing PCI or PMI status is a critical milestone for European clean tech developers. The designation unlocks streamlined environmental permitting, accelerated regulatory approvals, and eligibility to apply for multi-billion-euro public subsidies under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).
The submission window opened on June 25 and is scheduled to close on September 30, 2026. Infrastructure developers focusing on alternative asset classes, including smart electricity and gas grids, will have to wait until a separate application window opens later this fall.
A Multi-Stage Regulatory Screening Process Through 2027
Once the September submission deadline closes, candidate projects will undergo a rigorous eligibility screening to ensure they meet strict TEN-E cross-border criteria. Eligible entries will be evaluated and ranked by specialized regional working groups before being considered for the upcoming 3rd Union list of PCIs and PMIs.
While the assessment phases for hydrogen and carbon capture follow slightly different technical tracks, both paths include an extensive public and National Regulatory Authority (NRA) consultation period slated between December 2026 and March 2027.
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Following technical reviews and a formal opinion from the European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) in mid-2027, a high-level decision-making body will finalize the roster.
The European Commission expects to formally adopt the delegated act containing the final Union list by the end of 2027.
Barring any structural objections from the European Parliament or the Council, the list will officially enter into force in early 2028, establishing the regulatory bedrock for Europe’s next generation of localized carbon and hydrogen distribution networks.
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