The European Commission has launched a new call to identify energy infrastructure projects that aspire to become Projects of Common Interest (PCI) or Projects of Mutual Interest (PMI) , a classification that gives priority within the bloc's energy policy and facilitates their development through specific regulatory and financial procedures.
In this first phase, the call for proposals is aimed at initiatives related to renewable hydrogen, electrolyzers, and the transport and storage of carbon dioxide (CO₂) . The application period will remain open from June 25 to September 30, 2026 .
The selected projects will become part of the process established by the TEN-E Regulation , the European framework that defines the infrastructures considered strategic to strengthen energy integration, improve security of supply and accelerate decarbonization.
Obtaining PCI or PMI status represents a significant advantage for developers, as it allows access to faster authorization procedures, greater coordination between Member States and funding opportunities through European Union instruments.
Hydrogen and carbon capture, priorities for Europe
The call reflects the increasingly important role that clean hydrogen and CO₂ capture, transport and storage infrastructure play within the European climate strategy.
Interested promoters must submit their applications through the platforms enabled by the European Commission and the technical bodies responsible for each category.
Meanwhile, the calls for tenders for electricity, smart electricity grids and smart gas grids will open during September 2026.
A process that will culminate in 2027
Once the deadline for submitting projects has passed, all proposals will be subject to an eligibility verification process to check their compliance with the requirements of the TEN-E Regulation.
Subsequently, the projects that pass this first stage will be evaluated and classified by the TEN-E Regional Groups , which will prepare the proposal to integrate the third list of Projects of Common Interest and Projects of Mutual Interest.
In the case of initiatives related to hydrogen and electrolyzers, the timetable includes several stages during 2027, including the identification of needs of the European energy system, public consultations, review by national regulatory authorities and the technical evaluation of the projects.
Before the final decision, the Agency for Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) will issue its opinion on the draft list.
The new list will come into effect in 2028
The European Commission plans to adopt the delegated act that will incorporate the new PCI and PMI towards the end of 2027.
If the European Parliament and the Council do not object, the new list will officially come into force at the beginning of 2028.
With this call, Brussels continues to strengthen the development of infrastructure considered essential to meet climate neutrality goals, boost the European hydrogen market and advance solutions for managing carbon emissions.
In parallel, the process seeks to accelerate investments in projects that will be crucial for the transformation of the European energy system over the next decade.