The European Commission has opened a new call for applications under the TEN-E Regulation for energy infrastructure projects in the hydrogen, electrolyser and CO2 sectors seeking Project of Common Interest (PCI) or Project of Mutual Interest (PMI) status.
For CO2 transport and storage projects, PCI and PMI status is designed to support the development of cross-border carbon dioxide infrastructure across the EU. Projects that obtain this designation may become eligible for streamlined permitting procedures and access to financial support through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), subject to applicable funding criteria.
Promoters of CO2 transport and storage projects are invited to submit applications via the Commission’s online portal.
Following submission, projects will be:
- assessed against TEN-E eligibility criteria
- evaluated by TEN-E Regional Groups
- considered for inclusion in the third Union list of PCIs and PMIs
The European Commission plans to adopt the updated Union list by the end of 2027, with entry into force expected in early 2028, subject to non-objection from the European Parliament or the Council.
Key milestones for CO2 transport and storage applications include:
- 25 June – 30 September 2026: Project submission period
- December 2026 – March 2027: Public consultation on candidate projects
- September 2026 – May 2027: Assessment of applications
- May – June 2027: Technical decision-making meetings
- June – September 2027: ACER opinion on draft list
- October – November 2027: Final decision-making and adoption of Union list
For questions concerning CO2 transport and storage projects, or the overall PCI/PMIs identification and selection process: EU-PCI-PMI-LIST@ec.europa.eu.
Growing role of CO2 projects in PCI/PMI lists
The inclusion of CO2 transport and storage projects in EU PCI/PMI lists has increased across successive TEN-E cycles. The first PCI list in 2013 did not include any CO2 network projects. By the 2017 PCI list, this had increased to around four CO2-related projects. In the most recent Union list adopted under the revised TEN-E framework, CO2 infrastructure has expanded significantly, with 17 cross-border CO2 transport and storage projects included among a total of 235 PCIs and PMIs.
This trend reflects the gradual formalisation of carbon capture and storage infrastructure within EU cross-border energy planning, alongside electricity, hydrogen, and gas networks under the TEN-E regulation.
Image: European Commission