Call window open PCI/PMI energy projects — the third Union list (transmission, storage, smart grids)
The European Commission is accepting applications for the third PCI/PMI energy list. The status does not bring money directly. It makes the project eligible for CEF Energy grants and gives it faster permitting, through a single national authority, in no more than 3.5 years.
- Who can apply
- Promoters of cross-border energy infrastructure projects can apply
- Funding amount
- PCI/PMI status does not come with funding
- Submission period
- 14 September 2026 – 13 November 2026, at midnight (electricity transmission and storage); 14 September 2026 – 4 December 2026, at midnight (smart electricity and gas grids, projects under Article 24)
Checked against official sources on · funder: European Commission · official source
The call window is open. The time left until the deadline decides whether we can still build your application in time, so call today.
Who can apply
Promoters of cross-border energy infrastructure projects can apply. A PCI connects or significantly affects the energy systems of at least two EU Member States. A PMI connects the energy infrastructure of one or more Member States with neighbouring countries outside the EU. An ordinary SME or a town hall cannot apply on its own for PCI/PMI status.
What it covers
- Electricity transmission (cross-border projects)
- Electricity storage
- Smart electricity grids
- Smart gas grids
- Projects submitted under Article 24 of the TEN-E Regulation
Apply in the current call window
- We analyse whether you qualify and under which programme exactly.
- We build the application: business plan, budget, supporting documents.
- We submit during the call window and follow the evaluation.
- We stay with you through the reimbursement file and final payment.
Frequently asked questions
By when can applications for the third PCI/PMI list be submitted?
Electricity transmission and storage projects must be submitted by midnight on 13 November 2026. Smart electricity and gas grid projects, and those under Article 24 of the TEN-E Regulation, must be submitted by midnight on 4 December 2026. The call opened on 14 September 2026.
Does PCI/PMI status bring money directly?
No. PCI/PMI status makes the project eligible for CEF Energy grants and brings faster permitting and greater visibility with investors. CEF funding must be requested separately, in CEF Energy calls, once the project is on the Union list.
Where do you submit the application?
Electricity transmission and storage projects are submitted on the ENTSO-E TYNDP 2026 platforms. Smart electricity grids and smart gas grids each have their own EUSurvey form. Projects under Article 24 are sent by e-mail to EU-PCI-PMI-LIST@ec.europa.eu.
What is the difference between a PCI and a PMI?
A PCI is a cross-border project that connects or significantly affects the energy systems of at least two EU Member States. A PMI connects the energy infrastructure of one or more EU Member States with neighbouring countries outside the EU.
When will the third Union list be adopted?
The European Commission estimates that the third PCI/PMI list will be adopted by the end of 2027.
Can you request funding from the 2026 CEF Energy call if you apply now for the third list?
No. The 2026 CEF Energy call, with 600 million euro and a deadline of 30 September 2026, is open only to projects on the second PCI/PMI list.
How long does it take to prepare the application?
It depends on the complexity of the project and the documents you already have. The first step is the eligibility analysis, which tells you what needs to be prepared.
What happens if I do not qualify?
We tell you before any contract is signed, and if another suitable programme exists, we point you to it.
Next step
Apply in the current call window — PCI/PMI energy projects — the Union's third list (transmission, storage, smart grids)
Fill in the form and we will tell you whether you qualify. If you do not qualify under this programme, we will tell you which other one you could apply for — or that there is none, if that is the case.
or call us directly on 0755 167 167
Other programmes
CEF Transport 2026 — infrastructure projects on the trans-European TEN-T network
The 7 CEF Transport 2026 calls (CINEA) have €1.1 billion for TEN-T: railways, inland waterways, military mobility, ports, external borders, road digitalisation and the electrification of road freight transport and airports. Deadline: 6 October 2026, 17:00 CEST.
Call window openEIC Pathfinder Challenges 2026 — grants for deep-tech research (Horizon Europe)
The European Innovation Council provides up to 4 million euro per project (100% of eligible costs) for high-risk research on three themes: energy harvesting, healthy ageing and cognitive AI. The budget is 96 million euro. The deadline is 28 October 2026, 17:00.
Call window openEIC Accelerator 2026 — grant and investment for deep-tech start-ups and SMEs
EIC Accelerator funds deep-tech start-ups and SMEs with a grant of up to 2,499,999 euro (maximum 70% of costs) and an equity investment of 1–10 million euro through the EIC Fund. The 2026 budget is 634 million euro.