The bloc says the priority projects will speed up the build-out of Europe’s cross-border energy networks, from hydrogen pipelines to renewable power grids.

In total, 235 projects were selected across electricity, hydrogen and CO2 transport. The hydrogen-related awardees could include electrolyser plants, pipelines, storage hubs, and import terminals.

PCI and PMI status give hydrogen developers accelerated permitting, coordinated cross-border approvals and a clearer regulatory path.

Selected projects will also be eligible for EU funding via the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).

The commission’s Teresa Ribera called the cross-border infrastructure projects the “lifelines of [the EU’s] energy union.”

Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, added, “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.”

According to the bloc, Europe will require nearly €1.5 trillion in energy infrastructure investment by 2040.

The update comes as Europe struggles to scale its hydrogen sector fast enough to meet 2030 targets.

ACER’s latest monitoring report warned that, despite billions in funding and a doubling of electrolyser capacity in 2024, deployments remain “way behind” EU goals.

They highlighted slow permitting, regulatory delays, and high electricity prices.