13 July 2020
WindEurope response to targeted consultation on TEN-E Regulation revision
This paper is WindEurope’s position for the revision of the Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E) Regulation. The Regulation is an important document for the wind energy sector as it lays down the rules for the identification of Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) which are eligible for funding under the Connecting Europe Facility.
To align with the 2030 and 2050 decarbonisation commitments, the TEN-E will need to broaden its scope and allow for more electricity infrastructure categories. A new category for offshore wind hybrid projects is a good example as these projects combine both transmission and generation elements, linking two or more countries and providing a platform for coordination between them. The links between countries mean that power can be used where it is most needed. This makes the energy system more efficient, allowing to trade energy from where it is cheaper, increasing the use of the infrastructure and reducing the overall environmental footprint. Furthermore, the new regulation should address the better enforcement of the ‘special’ permitting status for PCIs. Furthemore, making the right choices for the future of Europe’s energy infrastructure lies within the governance process to choose and support the right infrastructure projects/PCIs. WindEurope calls for a more active role of the demand side, an independent technical expert body which would provide an evidence-based opinion and guidance on energy scenarios and a stronger oversight of the European Parliament on the final list of PCIs.
