European Union is working on new list of Projects of Common Interest (PCI) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMI) in the areas of electricity, offshore, hydrogen, smart grids and cross-border carbon dioxide networks.

According to draft list –it identifies, among others, Priority Corridor Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan in electricity (BEMIP Electricity), Priority Corridor Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan offshore grids (BEMIP Offshore) and Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan in hydrogen (BEMIP Hydrogen). Below we present detailed list of candidate projects.

Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) represent pivotal cross-border infrastructure initiatives that establish vital connections between the energy systems of European Union member states. Their primary purpose is to facilitate the realization of the EU’s energy policy and climate aspirations, which encompass ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all citizens while advancing the long-term decarbonization of the economy in alignment with the Paris Agreement.

For a project to attain the status of a PCI, it must demonstrate its substantial impact on energy markets and the integration of these markets across a minimum of two EU countries. Furthermore, it should foster increased competition within energy markets and contribute to bolstering the EU’s energy security by diversifying energy sources. Simultaneously, the project should actively support the EU’s climate and energy targets by facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources.

In addition to PCIs, there are also Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs). These initiatives involve collaboration between EU member states and third countries and play an instrumental role in advancing the broader energy and climate objectives of both the EU and the respective third country.

Projects of common interest benefit from: accelerated planning and permit granting, a single national authority for obtaining permits, improved regulatory conditions, lower administrative costs due to streamlined environmental assessment processes, increased public participation via consultations, and increased visibility to investors. They also have the right to apply for funding from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).

Draft list includes following PCI/PMI candidate projects:

  • BEMIP Electricity: Aurora Line 1 & 2 – AC interconnections between Finland and Sweden, Internal line between Stanisławów and Ostrołeka in Poland, Integration and synchronization of the Baltic States’ electricity system with the European networks, Estlink3 – interconnection between Finland and Estonia, Hydro-pump storage in Estonia.
  • BEMIP Offshore: Latvia and Estonia Hybrid Offshore Interconnector, Bornholm Energy Island (BEI) Hybrid Offshore Interconnector between Denmark and Germany.
  • BEMIP Hydrogen: Nordic Hydrogen Route – Interconnector between Sweden and Finland, Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor – Interconnector between Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Germany, Baltic Sea Hydrogen Collector – Interconnector between Sweden, Finland and Germany.