Which projects must be included in the TYNDP to qualify for CEF Energy?

The deadlines for submitting projects to the Ten-Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP) 2026 have now passed, but the process remains essential for understanding how access to European funding for energy infrastructures is structured. With the October deadlines now behind us, promoters’ attention is turning to which types of projects need to be part of the TYNDP in order to be eligible in future for designation as a Project of Common Interest (PCI) or a Project of Mutual Interest (PMI) — a necessary step before applying for Connecting Europe Facility – Energy (CEF Energy), whose budget for 2028–2034 could increase fivefold compared to the current period, according to the European Commission’s proposal.

In short, the TYNDP acts as a gateway. But not all projects are required to pass through it to reach European funding. Some are obliged to do so, while others simply benefit from being included. The distinction depends on the type of infrastructure, its purpose within the European energy system, and the regulatory framework of the Trans-European Energy Networks (TEN-E).

Electricity: networks and storage inside; smart grids optional

In the electricity sector, the body responsible for the TYNDP is ENTSO-E, the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity. Under EU legislation and the current assessment criteria, the following types of projects must be included in the TYNDP to be considered for PCI or PMI status:

• Overhead or underground high- and extra-high-voltage transmission lines, as well as submarine cables connecting different Member States or third countries.
• Facilities or equipment enabling the transmission of renewable offshore electricity, such as those connecting offshore wind farms.
• Energy storage infrastructure used for temporary or permanent storage of electricity — above ground, underground or offshore — provided it is directly connected to high-voltage transmission networks.
• Equipment with dual functionality, combining interconnection and offshore grid connection, enablingrenewablemarine generation to link with multiple Member States.

These projects are regarded as essential for integrating the European electricity market and supporting the energy transition, which is why inclusion in the TYNDP is a regulatory prerequisite before PCI or PMI designation can be granted.

By contrast, smart electricity grids — projects integrating digital systems, operational platforms and control and sensor technologies — are not required to be part of the TYNDP to access CEF Energy funding. However, voluntary inclusion may facilitate future evaluations and serve as a technical endorsement before the European Commission.

Smart grids are key to modernising electricity distribution, enabling efficient management of generation, storage and consumption, and supporting new business models across regions and island systems.

Hydrogen: transport and storage, yes; electrolysers, no

The development of hydrogen infrastructure falls under the supervision of ENTSOG, which also manages the TYNDP for gas. In this sector, the regulation draws a clear distinction between transport and storage infrastructures, which must be included in the TYNDP, and production facilities, which are not required to be.

The following types of projects must be part of the TYNDP:

• Pipelines or hydrogen transport infrastructure operating at high pressure, including repurposed natural gas pipelines converted for hydrogen transport, provided they offer transparent and non-discriminatory access.
• Storage facilities directly connected to these transport networks.
• Infrastructure for the reception, regasification or decompression of liquefied hydrogen or hydrogen-based compounds, when the purpose is to inject hydrogen into the grid.
• Essential equipment to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the hydrogen transport system, including compressors, valves and control systems.
• Facilities for the use of hydrogen or hydrogen-derived fuels in the transport sector, within the TEN-T network.

In contrast, electrolysers — installations that produce hydrogen through water electrolysis — are not required to be included in the TYNDP. ENTSOG clarifies that electrolysers can apply for PCI or PMI status without being part of the plan, although inclusion may “facilitate future assessments” by increasing the project’s technical and strategic visibility within the European energy system.

CO₂ networks and smart gas grids: special cases

Two other types of energy projects also feature on the regulatory landscape, albeit with distinct characteristics.

On the one hand, CO₂ networks (for transport and storage) are not directly linked to the ENTSOG TYNDP. However, projects in this category can influence planning and modelling assessments, particularly regarding emission-mitigation measures. Inclusion is not mandatory, but the European Commission encourages promoters to submit additional information — for instance, on methane-reduction measures or interactions with other energy infrastructures — to strengthen their evaluation.

On the other hand, smart gas grid projects are also not required to be included in the TYNDP to qualify for CEF Energy funding. Nonetheless, participation in the plan can offer a technical advantage, as it eases future assessments and supports alignment with European decarbonisation and digitalisation strategies for the gas system.

The link with CEF Energy

CEF Energy is the European Union’s main financial instrument for implementing the Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E) policy. It funds cross-border energy infrastructure projects, both new and upgraded, designed to promote market integration, network interconnection and the EU’s energy transition.

The total CEF budget for 2021–2027 amounts to €33.71 billion, of which €5.84 billion is allocated to energy. Projects can receive co-funding of up to 50% of eligible costs, with higher rates available for outermost regions.

The European Commission’s proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034) foresees an expansion of the total CEF budget to €81.428 billion, with €29.912 billion earmarked for energy – a five-fold increase compared with the current period – aimed at strengthening interconnections, completing the trans-European networks and enhancing Europe’s energy resilience.

See in detail

Although inclusion in the TYNDP does not guarantee eligibility for PCI or PMI status, it remains a mandatory preliminary step for many types of projects and facilitates the assessment of those not formally subject to this requirement. For this reason, promoters are advised to position their initiatives in advance in order to gain subsequent access to CEF Energy funding.