Cross-border energy infrastructure, new rules for TEN-E

The EU Council reached a general approach on the revision of the Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E) Regulation, in view of modernising, decarbonising and interconnecting the EU's cross-border energy infrastructure towards the EU's 2050 climate neutrality objectives. 

 

The revision of the TEN-E Regulation identifies 11 priority corridors and 3 priority thematic areas to develop and interconnect. This will be done mostly through projects of common interest (PCIs), financed by the Connecting Europe Facility for 2021-2027. The revised Regulation updates the infrastructure categories eligible for support with an emphasis on decarbonisation and adds a new focus on offshore electricity grids, hydrogen infrastructure and smart grids.

 

In parallel, all support for new natural gas and oil projects will end, and the EU will introduce mandatory sustainability criteria for all projects. During a transitional period until 31st December 2029, dedicated hydrogen assets converted from natural gas can be used to transport or store a pre-defined blend of hydrogen with natural gas or biomethane. Selected projects shall demonstrate how, by the end of this transitional period, these assets will cease to be natural gas assets and become dedicated hydrogen assets. 

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