The development of renewable energy and the increase in energy efficiency are not only important energy policy objectives in Germany, but also at the level of the European Union (EU). As a result, certain projects, which had already been acknowledged as being necessary at the national level, also have a special status at the EU level.
For the development of the EU internal energy market, some significant grid expansion projects are defined as "projects of common interest" or PCI.
These are grid expansion projects which upon realisation will bridge gaps in the infrastructure of the European power system and as such will contribute to the improvement of the security of supply and the development of renewable energy in the EU.
Other criteria for PCI are the economic, social and ecological benefits of the projects as well as their positive effects on the energy industry in at least two member states.
The following 50Hertz grid expansion projects have the status of PCI:
The legal basis for the projects of common interest is provided by Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 on guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure. It is intended to implement the energy policy objectives of the EU and as such contribute to a working internal energy market and additional security of supply.