Energy & Climate: Orgalim recommendations on aligning the TEN-E regulation with the European Green Deal

The Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E) regulation was proposed by the European Commission in the context of lagging investment in energy infrastructure, in particular large projects at transmission level. The initial aim was to support the completion of the internal energy market by promoting the development of cross-border projects that would help with geographic integration of the market.

With the European Green Deal the priority has shifted. Now, alongside the aim of developing the internal market’s hardware, the main focus has been put on supporting the full decarbonisation of EU economy by deploying innovative technologies and integrating the energy sector, as well as increasing its links with digital and transport systems.

Achieving climate neutrality by 2050 means a future energy system that is more electric, more sector-coupled, more renewable-based and energy efficient, significantly more local but interconnected and digitally enabled. One key to delivering such a power system will be a modern, future-proof, secure and smart energy infrastructure.

Europe’s technology industries, represented by Orgalim, welcome the revision of the TEN-E regulation as an opportunity to make the regulatory framework fit for purpose. In the future, projects benefitting from a Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) status should contribute to meeting the EU’s decarbonisation objectives. Furthermore, only those projects that are fully in line with the climate neutrality goal should receive funding from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). To make the regulatory framework fit for purpose we have identified ten key recommendations.

1. Change the scale and scope requirements for smart grid projects and redesign the qualification criteria of cross-border impact.

2. Establish a separate category for non-regulated infrastructure which provides flexibility and storage.

3. Introduce a new category for offshore hybrid projects.

4. Add a thematic area on energy system integration.

5. Implement an integrated energy infrastructure planning.

6. Establish European Commission oversight of the process leading to the development of the scenarios for TYNDPs.

7. Entrust the analysis of possible solutions to address system needs to an independent body.

8. Set up a Union-wide distribution network development plan.

9. Embed the energy efficiency first principle throughout scenario development, project evaluation and project eligibility.

10. Involve civil society and local communities during all phases of project planning.

To read our recommendations in detail, please download the position paper above.