The European Commission has issued a call for proposals under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to help finance major trans-European energy infrastructure projects.

Up to €550 million will be made available for projects which will contribute to develop a resilient ‘Energy Union’. Once in place, these projects should contribute towards ending energy isolation and eliminating energy bottlenecks that prevent the completion of the European internal energy market.

This investment should also act as a catalyst for securing additional financing from private and public investors. With a total amount of €650 million for grants foreseen in 2015, this is the second of two calls scheduled for this year. The deadline to submit applications is September 30.

Projects would enhance security of supply, contribute to market integration, increased competition as well as to sustainability

A decision on the selection of proposals to be funded is expected at the end of this year.

The first call for proposals closed on April 29, with around €100 million to be made available for infrastructure projects. The selected proposals to receive funding will be known by mid-July.

In order to qualify for a grant, a project has to be on the list of projects of common interest.

The first list was adopted by the European Commission in October 2013 and consists of 248 key energy infrastructure projects which, when completed, would each ensure significant benefits for at least 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 bulk of this money will be grants, and a part of this amount will be dedicated to setting up financial instruments for infrastructure development.