site.btaBulgaria and Greece Receive EU Support for Hydrogen Transport Infrastructure

On Monday, the European Commission granted the status of projects of common or mutual interest to 235 cross-border energy projects. Among these projects, support is planned for connecting hydrogen transport networks between Bulgaria and Greece, as well as for improving gas transport capabilities between the two countries.

The selected projects will receive permits through accelerated procedures to ensure energy connectivity and security within the EU. According to the European Commission, cited in the announcement, investment needs for European energy infrastructure are expected to reach nearly EUR 1.5 trillion by 2040.

The list features 113 electricity projects. 100 hydrogen and electrolyser projects, and17 carbon transport infrastructure projects and 3 smart gas grids projects (digitalised gas networks integrating innovative technologies to improve the efficiency of the grid). The Commission plans to soon present legislative changes for the further development of necessary energy infrastructure in Europe.

The list presented on Monday is subject to coordination with the European Parliament and the Council of the EU over the next two months. This period may be extended at the discretion of the European institutions.

Since 2014, EUR 8 billion have been provided for major projects related to the development of energy transmission networks in the EU. The Commission has proposed, in the next multiannual budget (2028–2034), a fivefold increase in funding for such purposes—from EUR 5.84 billion to EUR 29.91 billion.