CEF Energy funding
The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for Energy is a funding programme designed to support the development and upgrading of trans-European energy infrastructure, such as electricity interconnections and storage, as well as gas (hydrogen, CO2 and smart gas) networks. CEF Energy supports strategic energy infrastructure that connects Europe, strengthens security of supply and accelerates the clean energy transition.
Zattia helps promoters of PCI, PMI and cross-border renewable energy projects move from eligibility and funding strategy to proposal submission and grant management.
CEF Energy at a glance
CEF Energy is part of the Connecting Europe Facility, the EU programme for strategic infrastructure in energy, transport and digital networks.
For the 2021-2027 period, CEF Energy has a budget of €5.84 billion to support the clean energy transition, complete the Energy Union and make Europe’s energy systems more interconnected, smarter and more digitalised.
The programme supports two main routes:
Projects of Common Interest and Projects of Mutual Interest. Strategic energy infrastructure projects included in the Union list of PCIs and PMIs.
- Cross-border renewable energy projects. Renewable energy generation projects involving cooperation between EU countries, or between EU countries and non-EU countries, with clear cross-border benefits.
CEF Energy call 2026
Updated: June 2026
The 2026 CEF Energy call makes €600 million available for studies and works for eligible Projects of Common Interest and Projects of Mutual Interest.
The call closes on 30 September 2026.
Only projects included in the second Union list of PCIs and PMIs in the eligible areas can apply. These areas include electricity, smart electricity grids, smart gas grids, CO2 networks, hydrogen, electrolysers and Article 24 gas derogation projects.
For project promoters, the main challenge is to demonstrate European added value, technical and financial maturity, the need for EU support and alignment with the relevant TEN-E priorities.
FOR 2021-2027
What is CEF Energy?
The programme finances projects that improve the connectivity of energy networks across countries and sectors, strengthen security of supply, support the integration of the European energy market and accelerate the clean energy transition. This includes infrastructure linked to electricity grids, including storage, smart grids, offshore networks, hydrogen, CO₂, smart gas networks and cross-border renewable energy generation.
CEF Energy is closely linked to the Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E) policy, which identifies the priority infrastructure needed to achieve Europe’s energy and climate goals. For this reason, only projects included in the official PCI or PMI lists, or recognised as cross-border renewable energy projects, can apply for CEF Energy funding.
Eligible projects must:
- Contribute to EU energy and climate objectives
- Improve market integration, competition or security of supply
- Deliver a clear trans-European impact according to the TEN-E regulation
Who can apply for CEF Energy funding?
CEF Energy is mainly relevant for organisations developing mature, strategic energy infrastructure with a European dimension.
Typical applicants include:
- Energy infrastructure promoters
- Transmission system operators
- Distribution system operators
- Renewable energy project developers
- Hydrogen infrastructure developers
- CO2 network promoters
- Port, industrial and energy ecosystem operators
- Public authorities and public-private partnerships
- Research and engineering organisations involved in project development
Eligibility depends on the funding route. For PCI and PMI funding, the project must be included in the relevant Union list. For cross-border renewable energy projects, the project must obtain CB RES status before applying for funding
What types of projects does CEF Energy fund?
CEF Energy supports studies and works for strategic infrastructure projects. Eligible areas may include:
- Electricity transmission and interconnection
- Offshore electricity grids
- Smart electricity grids
- Smart gas grids
- Hydrogen infrastructure
- Electrolysers
- CO2 transport networks
- Energy storage infrastructure
- Cross-border renewable energy generation projects
Each call has its own scope, budget, eligibility rules and application documents. Promoters should check the official CINEA call page before preparing a proposal.
PCI, PMI or CB RES: which route fits your project?
PCIs are strategic energy infrastructure projects that connect the energy systems of EU Member States. They support the development of a more integrated, secure and sustainable European energy market.
This route is relevant for electricity interconnectors, smart grids, offshore electricity grids, hydrogen infrastructure, CO₂ networks and other priority infrastructure projects included in the Union list.
PMIs are strategic energy infrastructure projects that connect one or more EU Member States with one or more third countries. They are designed to strengthen Europe’s external energy links while contributing to EU energy and climate objectives.
This route is relevant for cross-border infrastructure involving EU and non-EU countries, especially where the project improves security of supply, market integration, renewable energy deployment or decarbonisation.
CB RES projects support cooperation between two or more countries in the deployment of renewable energy generation. Unlike PCIs and PMIs, this route focuses specifically on renewable energy projects with a clear cross-border dimension.
This route is relevant for joint renewable energy generation, offshore renewable energy, hybrid projects, storage linked to renewable generation and other projects that help increase the cost-effective deployment of renewable energy across Europe.
Choosing the right route is one of the first strategic decisions. It affects eligibility, timing, evidence requirements, stakeholder involvement and the type of support that can be requested.
CEF Energy support by organisation type
Support with TYNDP application, PCI/PMI positioning, CEF Energy applications, studies and works proposals, cost-benefit logic and grant management.
Support with CB RES status, cross-border cooperation models, funding strategy and alignment with EU renewable energy objectives.
Support with strategic positioning, TYNDP application when required, eligible infrastructure analysis, proposal development and connection with complementary EU funding instruments.
Support with infrastructure-related funding opportunities linked to decarbonisation, hydrogen, CO2 transport, electrification and renewable energy integration.
Support with project structuring, partner coordination, cross-border cooperation, EU programme mapping and strategic funding roadmaps.
How can we
help you
1. Funding strategy and eligibility assessment
We assess whether your project fits CEF Energy, which funding route is most appropriate and what evidence is needed before applying.
2. Entry into the Union or Status List
We support the preparation of applications and positioning work linked to the TYNDP process, PCI/PMI list and CB RES status.
We help define the funding narrative, structure the proposal, coordinate inputs, prepare the application and align the project with CINEA evaluation criteria.
4. Technical, financial and administrative coordination
We support the technical narrative, budget, work plan, risk analysis, supporting documents and Funding & Tenders Portal submission.
5. Grant agreement preparation
Once the project is selected, we support the grant agreement process with the European Commission and CINEA.
6. Project management and reporting
After approval, we assist coordinators and partners with administrative, financial and legal management throughout the project.
Our figures in CEF Energy
Zattia brings long-standing experience in European funding, energy transition and strategic infrastructure projects.
Our CEF Energy track record includes support for PCI/PMI and CB RES projects, applications for CEF Energy funding, and advisory work for projects seeking entry into European lists and funding routes.
PCIs/ PMIs
5
Applications of projects to TYNDP supported by Zattia
2
Funding applications submitted by Zattia for PCI projects in Spain
1
Project supported by Zattia for entering into the 2nd PCI/PMI list
CBRES
25%
of the projects of the list are being supported by Zattia
3
Applications submitted by Zattia
2
Projects supported by Zattia approved (1 Studies funded & 1 Status)
67%
Success rate in
CEF Energy
Previously, mainly major TSOs prepared applications for funding. Now, CEF Energy embraces a broader scope with projects like hydrogen, energy storage, CO2 networks, smart grids, and more. With new eligible beneficiaries, including DSOs and energy producers, competition is growing.
We’re here to support more entities in navigating this evolving landscape and securing funding success.
“CEF-Energy is the key EU programme to finance strategic national and transnational projects that are significant to the Trans-European Energy Networks (TEN-E), as well as Cross-Border Renewable
energy generation projects.”
Juan Sanciñena
Senior Consultant in European Projects
Current News
More about
Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)
The CEF Digital programme is part of the broader Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), a European Union program designed to support and fund infrastructure projects across Europe.
The program has an allocated total budget of €33.7 billion.
FAQ about CEF Energy
What is CEF Energy?
CEF Energy is the energy strand of the Connecting Europe Facility, the European Union programme that supports strategic infrastructure in energy, transport and digital networks. It finances energy infrastructure projects with cross-border relevance, including PCIs, PMIs and cross-border renewable energy projects.
What does CEF Energy fund?
CEF Energy can fund studies and works for eligible energy infrastructure projects. Depending on the call, this may include electricity interconnections, offshore grids, smart grids, hydrogen infrastructure, electrolysers, CO2 transport networks, energy storage and cross-border renewable energy projects.
Who can apply for CEF Energy funding?
CEF Energy is mainly aimed at promoters of strategic energy infrastructure projects, including energy companies, TSOs, DSOs, public authorities, renewable energy developers, hydrogen and CO2 infrastructure promoters, and public-private partnerships. Eligibility depends on the specific funding route and call.
What is the difference between a PCI and a PMI?
A Project of Common Interest is a key infrastructure project that connects or significantly affects the energy systems of at least two EU Member States. A Project of Mutual Interest connects the energy infrastructure of one or more EU Member States with one or more non-EU countries.
What is a CB RES project?
A cross-border renewable energy project, or CB RES project, is a renewable energy generation project based on cooperation between countries. It must provide cross-border benefits and contribute to renewable energy deployment, decarbonisation and energy system integration.
Is CEF Energy only for large energy companies?
No. Historically, many CEF Energy projects were led by large infrastructure operators, but the programme now covers a broader range of project types, including hydrogen, CO2 networks, smart grids, storage and cross-border renewable energy. This opens opportunities for new promoters, depending on eligibility.
What is the CEF Energy call 2026 deadline?
The 2026 CEF Energy call for PCIs and PMIs closes on 30 September 2026. The call makes €600 million available for studies and works for eligible projects included in the second Union list of PCIs and PMIs.
How competitive is CEF Energy?
CEF Energy is highly competitive because proposals must demonstrate European added value, technical maturity, a credible implementation plan, a strong cost-benefit logic and alignment with TEN-E priorities. A successful proposal needs both technical evidence and a clear funding narrative.
Can Zattia help with CEF Energy applications?
Yes. Zattia supports CEF Energy applicants with funding strategy, eligibility assessment, TYNDP application support, PCI/PMI and CB RES positioning, proposal development, Funding & Tenders Portal submission, grant agreement preparation and project management.
When should a promoter start preparing a CEF Energy proposal?
Promoters should start as early as possible, especially when the project needs PCI/PMI list inclusion, CB RES status, technical studies, financial evidence, permits, stakeholder support or a detailed cost-benefit rationale. Waiting until the call is open usually reduces the quality of the application.