Brussels, 30/06/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 30 June, the European Commission announced the launch of a second call for proposals under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to help finance key trans-European energy infrastructure projects. Up to €550 million will be made available for projects.
The deadline to submit applications is 30 September 2015. A decision on the selection of proposals to be funded is expected at the end of this year, explained the Commission.
An indicative amount of €100 million was made available for infrastructure projects. The first call for proposals in 2015 under CEF Energy closed on 29 April. The selected proposals to receive funding will be known by mid-July.
In order to apply for a grant, a project has to be on the list of 'projects of common interest'. A first list was adopted by the European Commission in October 2013. It consists of 248 key energy infrastructure projects which, when completed, would each ensure significant benefits for at least the two participating member states, enhance security of supply, contribute to market integration, increased competition as well as to sustainability. The list will be updated at the end of this year.
Total EU financing for energy infrastructure under the CEF is €5.35 billion for the 2014-2020 period. The subsidies granted will be used to finance studies and development work. Oil infrastructure projects are excluded from receiving any kind of financial assistance.
To benefit from assistance for carrying out construction work, a project has to meet specific criteria: its cost benefits analysis has to demonstrate significant security of supply advantages, solidarity and technological innovation.
The amount of aid cannot be above 50% of the costs. Nonetheless, in exceptional cases, if projects significantly contribute to enhancing the security of supply or solidarity between member states, aid can be increased to 75% of the costs. (Emmanuel Hagry)