EU launches €600m funding call for hydrogen and carbon capture projects

The EU’s Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency has launched a new €600m funding call under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for Energy to support cross-border hydrogen and carbon capture infrastructure projects.

The funding is available to projects on the EU’s Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs) lists, which were legally adopted in 2023. PCIs cover infrastructure linking two or more EU member states, while PMIs apply to projects between the EU and non-EU countries.

This year’s lists include 65 hydrogen-related proposals, many of which could benefit from streamlined permitting and access to funding either through the CEF or national sources. A legally binding three-and-a-half-year permit limit applies to PCI and PMI projects to accelerate development.

Eligible projects can cover a range of infrastructure, including hydrogen pipelines, electrolysers, storage, carbon capture and CO2 transport. The call is open until 22 October this year.