On 12 January 2021 the Commission is opening a call for projects in the smart grids thematic area to be submitted as candidates for the 5th list of EU projects of common interest (PCIs). The 5th PCI list will be adopted by the European Commission by the end of 2021 under the existing regulation on Trans-European Energy Networks (TEN-E). The Commission tabled a legislative proposal for revising the TEN-E Regulation before the end of 2020, but the new rules will only be in place in time for the 6th PCI list.
How to apply?
Promoters of candidate projects in the smart grids thematic area can participate in the call by submitting an application to ENER-B1-SMART-GRIDS-PCI-Applications@ec.europa.eu. The project promoters can apply as of today, 12 January 2021, until midnight on 8 March 2021.
Promoters of candidate projects in the smart grids thematic area should ensure that they are registered in the smart grid thematic area group on the CIRCABC platform.
What are the next steps?
Eligible projects will be assessed against the criteria set out in the TEN-E Regulation to identify their contribution to the smart grids thematic area. Candidate projects meeting the requirements of the Regulation will be proposed for inclusion in the 5th list of PCIs. The list will be adopted by the European Commission by the end of 2021 and published in the Official Journal by early 2022.
More information
You can find more information about the procedure and criteria, as laid down by the TEN-E Regulation (EU) No 347/2013.
Information about the policy goals and latest developments is available on the energy infrastructure webpages.
For questions concerning the PCI identification and selection process, and for registration in the smart grids data base, contact: ENER-B1-PROJECTS@ec.europa.eu
