EU opens sixth call for cross-border storage, renewables status

The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) has launched a new call for projects that are looking to obtain cross-border renewable energy (CB RES) status.

First launched in 2021, the CB RES accreditation supports renewable energy projects that involve cross-border cooperation, either between EU member states or between member states and non-EU countries.

Obtaining CB RES status allows projects to access EU funding for studies and works available under a designated channel of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Energy Program. A statement published by CINEA adds that the priority status can also increase the project’s visibility at the EU level, strengthen support from member states and enhance investor confidence.

The latest call represents the sixth since the launch of the CEB RES scheme and is set to be the last delivered under the EU’s current 2021–2027 Multiannual Financial Framework.

According to the new call for projects, the main component must be a renewable energy generation installation, such as solar, onshore or offshore wind, geothermal energy or hybrid combinations. The project can also include connection to a grid or ancillary elements such as storage. Projects are not limited to the electricity sector and can also cover other energy carriers and potential sectors through methods including heating and cooling, power-to-gas, storage and transport. 

CINEA’s guidance adds that prospective CB RES projects involved with “potentially vulnerable technologies and components” such as inverters and internet-connected management systems must be planned with appropriate mitigation measures. It specifies that conditions may apply to upcoming financing calls under the CEF Energy Program.

Prospective projects can submit applications via a dedicated CB RES submission platform until October 6.

CINEA adds that projects awarded the status through the latest call may have the opportunity to apply for the final CEF Energy CB RES funding call for studies and works, expected to be launched in 2027.

Last August, the list of projects that have received CB RES accreditation increased to 13 with the addition of five new projects.

The EU has also supported cross-border solar projects through other financing mechanisms. The bloc’s first cross-border solar tender launched in April 2023 under the EU Renewable Energy Financing Mechanism. It saw CINEA sign grant agreements with seven solar projects across Finland with a combined capacity of 212.99 MW, to be financed with funds from Luxembourg. The first project to be completed under this agreement was switched on in April.A second cross-border solar tender ran in July 2024, while a third was announced in March.