The European Commission established the first list of renewable energy cross-border (CB RES) projects under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).
CB RES projects are identified by the CEF Regulation and aim to promote cross-border cooperation between EU countries (and between EU countries and non-EU countries) in the field of planning, development and cost-effective exploitation of renewable energy sources. In addition, CB RES projects may facilitate RES integration through energy storage or hydrogen production facilities with the aim of contributing to the EU’s long-term decarbonisation strategy.
This first list comprises three projects, relevant to a total of seven EU countries, including those in Central and Eastern Europe. First, is a hybrid offshore wind park between Estonia and Latvia. Second, a cross-border district heating grid based on RES between Germany and Poland. Finally, a project to produce renewable electricity in Italy, Spain and Germany for conversion, transport and use of green hydrogen in the Netherlands and Germany.
“The three projects selected today are only the beginning: we are accelerating the deployment of renewable energy across the EU and moving towards a more collaborative approach as we do so,” said Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson. “The full potential for green transition and decarbonisation of the EU can only be realised through joint efforts across all sectors, technologies and regions.”
The realisation of the projects in the first CB RES list will make an important contribution to the increased renewable energy ambition under the European Green Deal, as well as to the objectives of the REPowerEU.
