Commission greenlights 235 energy interconnect projects to power Europe’s grid future
Europe’s grid future is in focus as the European Commission approves 235 energy infrastructure projects under the latest PCI/PMI programme. These initiatives — spanning electricity, hydrogen, smart grids and carbon transport — gain priority access to EU Connecting Europe Facility funding and fast-track permitting to accelerate development. For readers invested in Europe’s grid future, this signals a major opportunity for technology suppliers, power-electronics developers and system-level engineers across the energy transition.
For eeNews Europe readers, the news provides insight into where investment, infrastructure upgrades and component innovation will be needed next. With projected spending approaching €1.5 trillion by 2040, the scale highlights significant demand for semiconductors, controls, HVDC transmission, electrolysers and monitoring technologies.
Electricity, hydrogen and CO₂ networks in the spotlight
The newly adopted list includes 113 electricity and smart-grid projects intended to help Europe absorb more renewable generation while strengthening cross-border power flows. A further 100 hydrogen and electrolyser proposals aim to support industrial decarbonisation and create a more integrated clean-energy system.
Infrastructure for CO₂ handling also features prominently, with 17 cross-border carbon transport projects designed to advance capture-and-storage routes. Three smart gas grid projects made the cut to support digitalisation, along with two legacy links connecting Malta and Cyprus to mainland European networks.
European funding support could enable rapid scaling of next-generation grid components, long-distance HVDC transmission, offshore energy hubs and hydrogen pipeline conversion — all of which rely on advanced electronics, sensing, control and grid-management software.
Grid development becomes strategic priority
The Commission says the list reflects its Affordable Energy Action Plan, which stresses that strong, interconnected networks are key to accessibility and cost stability for homes and industry. A European Grids Package will follow soon, alongside the Energy Highways initiative, aimed at tackling infrastructure bottlenecks and boosting energy system resilience.
According to Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition: “These projects are more than cross-border infrastructure projects, they are the lifelines of our Energy Union. They empower our EU energy system by unifying the strengths of 27 complementary systems, paving the way for a Europe where green, competitive, and secure energy is not just a promise, but a common reality.”
Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen added: “Energy infrastructure is not only the backbone of our Energy Union — it is the foundation of a strong and prosperous Europe. To meet today’s challenges of security, competitiveness, and decarbonisation, Europe needs an energy system that is both resilient and future-proof. The projects we have chosen to support will play a vital role in delivering cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy to our citizens and businesses.”
Next steps
The PCI/PMI roster now moves to the European Parliament and the Council for scrutiny under TEN-E regulation. Lawmakers have two months — with an optional two-month extension — to approve or reject the list in full. Once confirmed, the Commission plans deeper engagement with project promoters to ensure fast-track buildout.
PCI Energy Days are taking place this week, where project execution and investment pathways are under review. For Europe’s electronics and energy-tech sector, the signal is clear: grid expansion is accelerating, and suppliers across power conversion, storage, control and monitoring will have a central role to play.
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