### 1. by [31 july 2022] , member states , with the support of the commission , within their specific priority offshore grid corridors , set out in point (2) of annex i , taking into account the specificities and development in each region , shall jointly define and agree to cooperate on the amount of offshore renewable generation to be deployed within each sea basin by 2050 , with intermediate steps in 2030 and 2040 , in view of their national energy and climate plans , the offshore renewable potential of each sea basin , environmental protection , climate adaptation and other uses of the sea , as well as the union’s decarbonisation targets. that agreement shall be made in writing as regards each sea basin linked to the territory of the union. ### 1. by [31 july 2022] , member states , with the support of the commission , within their specific priority offshore grid corridors , set out in point (2) of annex i , taking into account the specificities and development in each region , shall jointly set indicative , non-binding targets for offshore renewable generation to be deployed within each sea basin by 2050 , with intermediate steps in 2030 and 2040 , in view of their national energy and climate plans , the offshore renewable potential of each sea basin , environmental protection , climate adaptation and other uses of the sea , as well as the union’s decarbonisation targets. that agreement shall be made in writing as regards each sea basin linked to the territory of the union.


### 2. by [31 july 2023] the entso for electricity , with the involvement of the relevant tsos , the national regulatory authorities and of the commission and in line with the agreement referred to in paragraph 1 , shall develop and publish integrated offshore network development plans starting from the 2050 objectives , with intermediate steps for 2030 and 2040 , for each sea-basin , in line with the priority offshore grid corridors referred to in annex i , taking into account environmental protection and other uses of the sea. those integrated offshore network development plans shall thereafter be updated every three years. ### 2. by [31 july 2023] the entso for electricity , with the involvement of the relevant tsos , the national regulatory authorities and of the commission and in line with the agreement referred to in paragraph 1 , shall develop and publish integrated offshore network development plans starting from the 2050 objectives , with intermediate steps for 2030 and 2040 , for each sea-basin , in line with the priority offshore grid corridors referred to in annex i , taking into account environmental protection and other uses of the sea. those integrated offshore network development plans shall thereafter be updated every four years.


### 2. by [31 july 2023] the entso for electricity , with the involvement of the relevant tsos , the national regulatory authorities and of the commission and in line with the agreement referred to in paragraph 1 , shall develop and publish integrated offshore network development plans starting from the 2050 objectives , with intermediate steps for 2030 and 2040 , for each sea-basin , in line with the priority offshore grid corridors referred to in annex i , taking into account environmental protection and other uses of the sea. those integrated offshore network development plans shall thereafter be updated every three years. ### 2. by [31 july 2023] the entso for electricity , with the involvement of the relevant tsos , the national regulatory authorities and of the commission and in line with the agreement referred to in paragraph 1 , shall develop and publish strategic offshore network development plans starting from the 2050 objectives , with intermediate steps for 2030 and 2040 , for each sea-basin , in line with the priority offshore grid corridors referred to in annex i , taking into account environmental protection and other uses of the sea. those strategic offshore network development plans shall provide a high-level outlook on offshore generation capacity potential and the resulting needs and constraints for interlinkages in an offshore grid and thereafter be updated every four years.


### 6. for the purpose of ensuring the timely development of the offshore grids for renewable energy , should the entso for electricity not develop , in time , the integrated offshore network development plans , referred to in paragraph 2 , the commission shall , on the basis of expert advice , draw-up an integrated offshore network development plan per sea-basin for each priority offshore grid corridor set out in annex i. ### 6. for the purpose of ensuring the timely development of the offshore networks , the entso for electricity shall develop , in time , the strategic offshore network development plans , referred to in paragraph 2.


### (4) northern seas offshore grid (‘nsog’): integrated offshore electricity grid development and the related interconnectors in the north sea , the irish sea , the english channel and neighbouring waters to transport electricity from renewable offshore energy sources to centres of consumption and storage and to increase cross-border electricity exchange. ### (4) northern seas offshore grid (‘nsog’): offshore electricity grid development or integrated offshore electricity grid development and the related interconnectors in the north sea , the irish sea , the english channel and neighbouring waters to transport electricity from renewable offshore energy sources to centres of consumption and storage and to increase cross-border electricity exchange.


### (5) baltic energy market interconnection plan offshore grid (‘bemip offshore’): integrated offshore electricity grid development and the related interconnectors in the baltic sea and neighbouring waters to transport electricity from renewable offshore energy sources to centres of consumption and storage and to increase cross-border electricity exchange. ### (5) baltic energy market interconnection plan offshore grid (‘bemip offshore’): offshore electricity grid development or integrated offshore electricity grid development and the related interconnectors in the baltic sea and neighbouring waters to transport electricity from renewable offshore energy sources to centres of consumption and storage and to increase cross-border electricity exchange.


### 3 ### 3 3. priority corridors for hydrogen and power-to-gas technologies


### 3 ### 3 priority corridors for hydrogen


### (8) hydrogen interconnections in western europe (‘hi west’): hydrogen infrastructure enabling the emergence of an integrated hydrogen backbone connecting the countries of the region and addressing their specific infrastructure needs for hydrogen supporting the emergence of an eu-wide network for hydrogen transport. ### (8) hydrogen interconnections in western europe (‘hi west’): hydrogen infrastructure , including repurposed gas infrastructure , enabling the emergence of an integrated hydrogen backbone connecting the countries of the region and addressing their specific infrastructure needs for hydrogen supporting the emergence of an eu-wide network for hydrogen transport.


### (8) hydrogen interconnections in western europe (‘hi west’): hydrogen infrastructure enabling the emergence of an integrated hydrogen backbone connecting the countries of the region and addressing their specific infrastructure needs for hydrogen supporting the emergence of an eu-wide network for hydrogen transport. ### (8) hydrogen interconnections in western europe (‘hi west’): hydrogen infrastructure including the transitional use of blending with gas , the repurposing of gas infrastructure or any other specific solutions for disadvantaged , less connected , peripheral or isolated regions and member states , such as islands , enabling the emergence of an integrated hydrogen backbone directly or indirectly (including through third countries) connecting the countries of the region and addressing their specific infrastructure needs for hydrogen supporting the emergence of an eu-wide network for hydrogen transport.


### (8) hydrogen interconnections in western europe (‘hi west’): hydrogen infrastructure enabling the emergence of an integrated hydrogen backbone connecting the countries of the region and addressing their specific infrastructure needs for hydrogen supporting the emergence of an eu-wide network for hydrogen transport. ### 8) hydrogen interconnections in western europe (‘hi west’): hydrogen infrastructure and the repurposing of existing natural gas infrastructure with a view to enabling the emergence of an integrated hydrogen backbone connecting the countries of the region and addressing their specific infrastructure needs for hydrogen supporting the emergence of an eu-wide network for hydrogen transport.


### electrolysers: supporting the deployment of power-to-gas applications aiming to enable greenhouse gas reductions and contributing to secure , efficient and reliable system operation and smart energy system integration. member states concerned: austria , belgium , denmark , france , germany , ireland , italy , luxembourg , malta , the netherlands , portugal , and spain; ### power-to-gas: supporting the deployment of power-to-gas applications , including electrolysers , aiming to enable greenhouse gas reductions and contributing to secure , efficient and reliable system operation and smart energy system integration. member states concerned: austria , belgium , denmark , france , germany , ireland , italy , luxembourg , malta , the netherlands , portugal , and spain;


### electrolysers: supporting the deployment of power-to-gas applications aiming to enable greenhouse gas reductions and contributing to secure , efficient and reliable system operation and smart energy system integration. member states concerned: austria , belgium , denmark , france , germany , ireland , italy , luxembourg , malta , the netherlands , portugal , and spain; ### power to gas facilities including electrolysers: supporting the deployment of power-to-gas applications aiming to enable greenhouse gas reductions and contributing to secure , efficient and reliable system operation and smart energy system integration. member states concerned: austria , belgium , denmark , france , germany , ireland , italy , luxembourg , malta , the netherlands , portugal , and spain;


### electrolysers: supporting the deployment of power-to-gas applications aiming to enable greenhouse gas reductions and contributing to secure , efficient and reliable system operation and smart energy system integration. the member states concerned: austria , belgium , denmark , france , germany , ireland , italy , luxembourg , malta , the netherlands , portugal , and spain; ### the member states concerned: austria , belgium , denmark , france , germany , ireland , italy , luxembourg , malta , the netherlands , portugal , and spain;


### electrolysers: supporting the deployment of power-to-gas applications aiming to enable greenhouse gas reductions and contributing to secure , efficient and reliable system operation and smart energy system integration. member states concerned: austria , bulgaria , croatia , cyprus , czech republic , germany , greece , hungary , italy , poland , romania , slovakia and slovenia; ### power-to-gas: supporting the deployment of power-to-gas applications , including electrolysers , aiming to enable greenhouse gas reductions and contributing to secure , efficient and reliable system operation and smart energy system integration. member states concerned: austria , bulgaria , croatia , cyprus , czech republic , germany , greece , hungary , italy , poland , romania , slovakia and slovenia;


### electrolysers: supporting the deployment of power-to-gas applications aiming to enable greenhouse gas reductions and contributing to secure , efficient and reliable system operation and smart energy system integration. member states concerned: austria , bulgaria , croatia , cyprus , czech republic , germany , greece , hungary , italy , poland , romania , slovakia and slovenia; ### power to gas facilities including electrolysers: supporting the deployment of power-to-gas applications aiming to enable greenhouse gas reductions and contributing to secure , efficient and reliable system operation and smart energy system integration. member states concerned: austria , bulgaria , croatia , cyprus , czech republic , germany , greece , hungary , italy , poland , romania , slovakia and slovenia;


### electrolysers: supporting the deployment of power-to-gas applications aiming to enable greenhouse gas reductions and contributing to secure , efficient and reliable system operation and smart energy system integration. the member states concerned: austria , bulgaria , croatia , cyprus , czech republic , germany , greece , hungary , italy , poland , romania , slovakia and slovenia; ### the member states concerned: austria , bulgaria , croatia , cyprus , czech republic , germany , greece , hungary , italy , poland , romania , slovakia and slovenia;


### (9) hydrogen interconnections in central eastern and south eastern europe (‘hi east’): hydrogen infrastructure enabling the emergence of an integrated hydrogen backbone connecting the countries of the region and addressing their specific infrastructure needs for hydrogen supporting the emergence of an eu-wide network for hydrogen transport. ### (9) hydrogen interconnections in central eastern and south eastern europe (‘hi east’): hydrogen infrastructure , including repurposed gas infrastructure , enabling the emergence of an integrated hydrogen backbone connecting the countries of the region and addressing their specific infrastructure needs for hydrogen supporting the emergence of an eu-wide network for hydrogen transport.


### (9) hydrogen interconnections in central eastern and south eastern europe (‘hi east’): hydrogen infrastructure enabling the emergence of an integrated hydrogen backbone connecting the countries of the region and addressing their specific infrastructure needs for hydrogen supporting the emergence of an eu-wide network for hydrogen transport. ### (9) hydrogen interconnections in central eastern and south eastern europe (‘hi east’): hydrogen infrastructure including the transitional use of blending with gas , the repurposing of gas infrastructure or any other specific solutions for disadvantaged , less connected , peripheral or isolated member states and regions , such as islands enabling the emergence of an integrated hydrogen backbone , directly or indirectly (including through third countries) connecting the countries of the region and addressing their specific infrastructure needs for hydrogen supporting the emergence of an eu-wide network for hydrogen transport.


### (9) hydrogen interconnections in central eastern and south eastern europe (‘hi east’): hydrogen infrastructure enabling the emergence of an integrated hydrogen backbone connecting the countries of the region and addressing their specific infrastructure needs for hydrogen supporting the emergence of an eu-wide network for hydrogen transport. ### (9) hydrogen interconnections in central eastern and south eastern europe (‘hi east’): hydrogen infrastructure and the repurposing of existing natural gas infrastructure with a view to enabling the emergence of an integrated hydrogen backbone connecting the countries of the region and addressing their specific infrastructure needs for hydrogen supporting the emergence of an eu-wide network for hydrogen transport.


### (10) baltic energy market interconnection plan in hydrogen (‘bemip hydrogen’): hydrogen infrastructure enabling the emergence of an integrated hydrogen backbone connecting the countries of the region and addressing their specific infrastructure needs for hydrogen supporting the emergence of an eu-wide network for hydrogen transport. ### (10) baltic energy market interconnection plan in hydrogen (‘bemip hydrogen’): hydrogen infrastructure , including repurposed gas infrastructure , enabling the emergence of an integrated hydrogen backbone connecting the countries of the region and addressing their specific infrastructure needs for hydrogen supporting the emergence of an eu-wide network for hydrogen transport.


### (10) baltic energy market interconnection plan in hydrogen (‘bemip hydrogen’): hydrogen infrastructure enabling the emergence of an integrated hydrogen backbone connecting the countries of the region and addressing their specific infrastructure needs for hydrogen supporting the emergence of an eu-wide network for hydrogen transport. ### (10) baltic energy market interconnection plan in hydrogen (‘bemip hydrogen’): hydrogen infrastructure and the repurposing of existing natural gas infrastructure with a view of enabling the emergence of an integrated hydrogen backbone connecting the countries of the region and addressing their specific infrastructure needs for hydrogen supporting the emergence of an eu-wide network for hydrogen transport.


### (10) baltic energy market interconnection plan in hydrogen (‘bemip hydrogen’): hydrogen infrastructure enabling the emergence of an integrated hydrogen backbone connecting the countries of the region and addressing their specific infrastructure needs for hydrogen supporting the emergence of an eu-wide network for hydrogen transport. ### (10) baltic energy market interconnection plan in hydrogen (‘bemip hydrogen’): hydrogen infrastructure and the repurposing of existing natural gas infrastructure with a view to enabling the emergence of an integrated hydrogen backbone connecting the countries of the region and addressing their specific infrastructure needs for hydrogen supporting the emergence of an eu-wide network for hydrogen transport.


### electrolysers: supporting the deployment of power-to-gas applications aiming to enable greenhouse gas reductions and contributing to secure , efficient and reliable system operation and smart energy system integration. member states concerned: denmark , estonia , finland , germany , latvia , lithuania , poland and sweden. ### power-to-gas: supporting the deployment of power-to-gas applications , including electrolysers , aiming to enable greenhouse gas reductions and contributing to secure , efficient and reliable system operation and smart energy system integration. member states concerned: denmark , estonia , finland , germany , latvia , lithuania , poland and sweden.


### electrolysers: supporting the deployment of power-to-gas applications aiming to enable greenhouse gas reductions and contributing to secure , efficient and reliable system operation and smart energy system integration. the member states concerned: denmark , estonia , finland , germany , latvia , lithuania , poland and sweden. ### the member states concerned: denmark , estonia , finland , germany , latvia , lithuania , poland and sweden.


### (13) smart gas grids: adoption of smart gas grid technologies across the union to efficiently integrate a plurality of renewable and low-carbon gas sources into the gas network , support the uptake of innovative solutions for network management and facilitating smart energy sector integration and demand response. ### (13) smart gas grids: adoption of smart gas grid technologies across the union to efficiently integrate a plurality of renewable and low-carbon gas sources into the gas network , in particular through their blends with methane , support the uptake of innovative digital , technological , mechanical or engineering solutions for network management and facilitating smart energy sector integration and demand response.


### any of the following equipment or installation aiming at enabling and facilitating the integration of renewable and low-carbon gases (including biomethane or hydrogen) into the network: digital systems and components integrating ict , control systems and sensor technologies to enable the interactive and intelligent monitoring , metering , quality control and management of gas production , transmission , distribution and consumption within a gas network. furthermore , such projects may also include equipment to enable reverse flows from the distribution to the transmission level and related necessary upgrades to the existing network. ### any of the following equipment or installation aiming at enabling and facilitating the integration of plurality of renewable and low-carbon gases (including biomethane or hydrogen or hydrogen derived fuels) into the network: digital systems and components integrating ict , control systems and sensor technologies to enable the interactive and intelligent monitoring , metering , quality control and management of gas production , transmission , distribution , storage and consumption within a gas network. furthermore , such projects may also include equipment to enable reverse flows from the distribution to the transmission level and related necessary upgrades to the existing network.


### any of the following equipment or installation aiming at enabling and facilitating the integration of renewable and low-carbon gases (including biomethane or hydrogen) into the network: digital systems and components integrating ict , control systems and sensor technologies to enable the interactive and intelligent monitoring , metering , quality control and management of gas production , transmission , distribution and consumption within a gas network. furthermore , such projects may also include equipment to enable reverse flows from the distribution to the transmission level and related necessary upgrades to the existing network. ### any of the following equipment or installation aiming at enabling and facilitating the integration of renewable and low-carbon gases (including biogas , biomethane , synthetic gas or hydrogen) and their blends with methane into the network: digital systems and components integrating ict , control systems and sensor technologies to enable the interactive and intelligent monitoring , metering , quality control and management of gas production , transmission , distribution , storage and consumption within a gas network. furthermore , such projects may also include connections from renewable and low-carbon gases production units into the transmission and distribution grid , equipment to enable reverse flows from the distribution to the transmission level as well as from pipelines of different capacities and related necessary upgrades to the network , such as upgrades of various gas infrastructure parts to repurpose the grid to be fully compatible to transport pure hydrogen or to retrofit the existing network to be fully compatible to transport blends of hydrogen and methane.


### any of the following equipment or installation aiming at enabling and facilitating the integration of renewable and low-carbon gases (including biomethane or hydrogen) into the network: digital systems and components integrating ict , control systems and sensor technologies to enable the interactive and intelligent monitoring , metering , quality control and management of gas production , transmission , distribution and consumption within a gas network. furthermore , such projects may also include equipment to enable reverse flows from the distribution to the transmission level and related necessary upgrades to the existing network. ### any of the following equipment or installation aiming at enabling and facilitating the integration of renewable and low-carbon gases (including biomethane , synthetic methane or hydrogen) and their blends with methane into the network: digital systems and components integrating ict , control systems and sensor technologies to enable the interactive and intelligent integration , monitoring , metering , quality control and management of gas production , transmission , distribution , storage and consumption within a gas network. furthermore , such projects may also include connections from renewable and low-carbon gas production facilities into transmission or distribution grids , equipment to enable reverse flows from the distribution to the transmission level and related necessary upgrades to the existing network , such as upgrades of various gas infrastructure parts to retrofit the network to be compatible to transport blends of methane and hydrogen.


### transmission pipelines for the transport of hydrogen , giving access to multiple network users on a transparent and non-discriminatory basis , which mainly contains high-pressure hydrogen pipelines , excluding pipelines for the local distribution of hydrogen; ### transmission pipelines for the transport of hydrogen , and transitional blending with natural gas , giving access to multiple network users on a transparent and non-discriminatory basis , which mainly contains high-pressure hydrogen pipelines , excluding pipelines for the local distribution of hydrogen;


### any of the assets listed in points (a) , (b) , (c) , and (d) may be newly constructed assets or assets converted from natural gas dedicated to hydrogen , or a combination of the two. ### any of the assets listed in points (a) , (b) , (c) , (d) and (d a) may be newly constructed assets or assets converted from natural gas dedicated to hydrogen , or a combination of the two.


### any of the assets listed in points (a) , (b) , (c) , and (d) may be newly constructed assets or assets converted from natural gas dedicated to hydrogen , or a combination of the two. ### any of the assets listed in points (a) , (b) , (c) , and (d) may be newly constructed assets or assets repurposed from natural gas to hydrogen , or a combination of the two.


### (4) concerning electrolyser facilities: ### (4) concerning power-to-gas facilities:


### electrolysers that: (i) have at least 100 mw capacity , (ii) the production complies with the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions savings requirement of 70 % relative to a fossil fuel comparator of 94g co2e/mj as set out in article 25(2) and annex v of directive (eu) 2018/2001 of the european parliament and of the council.60 life cycle greenhouse gas emissions savings are calculated using the methodology referred to in article 28(5) of directive (eu) 2018/2001 or , alternatively , using iso 14067 or iso 14064-1. quantified life-cycle ghg emission savings are verified in line with article 30 of directive (eu) 2018/2001 where applicable , or by an independent third party , and (iii) have also a network-related function; ### electrolysers and power-to-methane equipment that: (i) have at least 100 mw capacity , (ii) the production complies with the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions savings requirement of 70 % relative to a fossil fuel comparator of 94g co2e/mj as set out in article 25(2) and annex v of directive(eu) 2018/2001 of the european parliament and of the council. life cycle greenhouse gas emissions savings are calculated using the methodology referred to in article 28(5) of directive(eu) 2018/2001 or , alternatively , using iso 14067 or iso 14064-1. quantified life-cycle ghg emission savings are verified in line with article 30 of directive (eu) 2018/2001 where applicable , or by an independent third party , and (iii) have also a network-related function;


### for electricity transmission , the project increases the grid transfer capacity , or the capacity available for commercial flows , at the border of that member state with one or several other member states , having the effect of increasing the cross-border grid transfer capacity at the border of that member state with one or several other member states , by at least 500 megawatt compared to the situation without commissioning of the project; ### for electricity transmission , the project increases the grid transfer capacity , or the capacity available for commercial flows , at the border of that member state with one or several other member states , having the effect of increasing the cross-border grid transfer capacity at the border of that member state with one or several other member states , by at least 500 megawatt compared to the situation without commissioning of the project. this criterion is not applicable only in case the project ensures the improvement of energy security of the region by providing additional balancing capacity and regulation services;


### for electrolysers , the project provides at least 100 mw installed capacity and the brings benefits directly or indirectly to at least two member states; ### for power-to-gas , the project provides at least 100 mw installed capacity and the brings benefits directly or indirectly to at least two member states;


### for electrolysers , the project provides at least 100 mw installed capacity and the brings benefits directly or indirectly to at least two member states; ### for electrolysers , the project provides at least 20 mw installed capacity and the brings benefits directly or indirectly to at least one member states;


### for electrolysers , the project provides at least 100 mw installed capacity and the brings benefits directly or indirectly to at least two member states; ### deleted


### for smart gas grids , a project involves transmission system operators , transmission and distribution system operators or distribution system operators from at least two member states. distribution system operators can be involved only with the support of the transmission system operators , of at least two member states , that are closely associated to the project and ensure interoperability. ### for smart gas grids , a project involves transmission system operators , transmission and distribution system operators or distribution system operators that are closely associated to the project and ensure interoperability.


### for projects of mutual interest in the category set out in point (1)(a) and (e) of annex ii , the project increases the grid transfer capacity , or the capacity available for commercial flows , at the border of that member state with one or more third countries and brings significant benefits , under the specific criteria listed in in article 4(3) , to at least two member states. the calculation of the benefits for the member states shall be performed and published by the entso for electricity in the frame of union-wide ten-year network development plan; ### for projects of mutual interest in the category set out in point (1)(a) and (e) of annex ii , the project increases the grid transfer capacity , or the capacity available for commercial flows , at the border of that member state with one or more third countries and brings significant benefits , under the specific criteria listed in in article 4(3) , to at least one member state. the calculation of the benefits for the member states shall be performed and published by the entso for electricity in the frame of union-wide ten-year network development plan;


### sustainability measured as the contribution of a project to: greenhouse gas emission reductions in different end-use applications , such as industry or transport; flexibility and seasonal storage options for renewable electricity generation; or the integration of renewable hydrogen. ### sustainability measured as the contribution of a project to: greenhouse gas emission reductions in different end-use applications , such as industry or transport; flexibility and seasonal storage options for renewable electricity generation; or the integration of hydrogen.


### level of sustainability measured by assessing the share of renewable and low-carbon gases integrated into the gas network , the related greenhouse gas emission savings towards total system decarbonisation and the adequate detection of leakage. ### level of sustainability measured by assessing the share of renewable or low-carbon gases integrated into the gas network , the related greenhouse gas emission savings towards total system decarbonisation , air pollution mitigation and the adequate detection of leakage.


### quality and security of supply measured by assessing the ratio of reliably available gas supply and peak demand , the share of imports replaced by local renewable and low-carbon gases , the stability of system operation , the duration and frequency of interruptions per customer. ### quality and security of supply measured by assessing the ratio of reliably available gas supply and peak demand , the share of imports replaced by domestic renewable or low-carbon gases , the stability of system operation , the duration and frequency of interruptions per customer , avoided curtailment of renewable electricity generation.


### quality and security of supply measured by assessing the ratio of reliably available gas supply and peak demand , the share of imports replaced by local renewable and low-carbon gases , the stability of system operation , the duration and frequency of interruptions per customer. ### quality and security of supply measured by assessing the ratio of reliably available gas supply and system-wide peak demand , the share of imports replaced by domestic renewable or low-carbon gases , the stability of system operation , including through assessment of avoided curtailment of renewable electricity generation , and the duration and frequency of interruptions per customer.


### (7) concerning electrolyser projects falling under the category set out in point (4) of annex ii the criteria listed in article 4 shall be evaluated as follows: ### (7) concerning power-to-gas projects falling under the category set out in point (4) of annex ii the criteria listed in article 4 shall be evaluated as follows:


### sustainability measured by assessing the share of renewable hydrogen or hydrogen meeting the criteria defined in point (4) (a) (ii) of annex ii integrated into the network , and the related greenhouse gas emission savings; ### sustainability measured by assessing the share of renewable hydrogen or hydrogen derived fuels , or hydrogen meeting the criteria defined in point (4) (a) (ii) of annex ii integrated into the network , and the related greenhouse gas emission savings


### (17) the union should facilitate infrastructure projects linking the union’s energy networks with third-country networks that are mutually beneficial and necessary for the energy transition and the achievement of the climate targets , and which also meet the specific criteria of the relevant infrastructure categories pursuant to this regulation , in particular with neighbouring countries and with countries with which the union has established specific energy cooperation. therefore , this regulation should include in its scope projects of mutual interest where they are sustainable and able to demonstrate significant net socio-economic benefits for at least two member states and at least one third country. such projects would be eligible for inclusion in the union list upon conditions of regulatory approximation with the union and upon demonstrating a contribution to the union’s overall energy and climate objectives in terms of security of supply and decarbonisation. such regulatory alignment or convergence should be presumed for the european economic area or energy community contracting parties. in addition , the third country with which the union cooperates in the development of projects of mutual interest should facilitate a similar timeline for accelerated implementation and other policy support measures , as stipulated in this regulation. therefore , in this regulation , projects of mutual interest should be considered in the same manner as projects of common interest with all provisions relative to projects of common interest applying also to projects of mutual interest , unless otherwise specified. ### (17) the union should facilitate infrastructure projects linking the union’s energy networks with third-country networks that are mutually beneficial and necessary for the energy transition and the achievement of the climate targets , and which also meet the specific criteria of the relevant infrastructure categories pursuant to this regulation , in particular with neighbouring countries and with countries with which the union has established specific energy cooperation. therefore , this regulation should include in its scope projects of mutual interest where they are sustainable and able to demonstrate significant net socio-economic benefits for at least two member states and at least one third country. such projects would be eligible for inclusion in the union list upon conditions of regulatory approximation with the union , in particular through the application of third-party access , ownership unbundling and transparent and cost-reflective tariffs and upon demonstrating a contribution to the union’s overall energy and climate objectives in terms of solidarity , security of supply and decarbonisation. such regulatory alignment or convergence should be presumed for the european economic area or energy community contracting parties. in addition , the third country with which the union cooperates in the development of projects of mutual interest should facilitate a similar timeline for accelerated implementation and other policy support measures , as stipulated in this regulation. therefore , in this regulation , projects of mutual interest should be considered in the same manner as projects of common interest with all provisions relative to projects of common interest applying also to projects of mutual interest , unless otherwise specified.


### (20) the union-wide ten-year network development plan process as basis for the identification of projects of common interest in the categories of electricity and gas has proven to be effective. however , while the european network of transmission system operators for electricity and for gas (entsos) and transmission system operators have an important role to play in the process , more scrutiny is required , in particular as regards defining the scenarios for the future , identifying long-term infrastructure gaps and bottlenecks and assessing individual projects , to enhance trust in the process. therefore , due to the need for independent validation , the agency for the cooperation of energy regulators (‘the agency’) and the commission should have an increased role in the process , including in the process for drawing up the union-wide ten-year network development plan pursuant to regulation (eu) 2019/94331 of the european parliament and of the council and regulation (ec) no 715/2009 of the european parliament and of the council32. ### (20) the union-wide ten-year network development plan process as basis for the identification of projects of common interest in the categories of electricity and gas has proven to be effective. however , while the european network of transmission system operators for electricity and for gas (entsos) and transmission system operators have the most important role to play in the process , due to their unique expertise on modelling and scenarios and their knowledge on the infrastructural needs and challenges of the member states , more scrutiny is expected , in particular as regards defining the scenarios for the future , identifying long-term infrastructure gaps and bottlenecks and assessing individual projects , to enhance trust in the process. therefore , due to the need for independent validation , the agency for the cooperation of energy regulators (‘the agency’) and the commission should have an increased role in the process , including in the process for drawing up the union-wide ten-year network development plan pursuant to regulation (eu) 2019/94331 of the european parliament and of the council and regulation (ec) no 715/2009 of the european parliament and of the council32.


### (43) member states that currently do not attribute the highest national significance possible to energy infrastructure projects as regards the process of permit granting , should be encouraged to consider introducing such a high national significance , in particular by evaluating whether that would lead to a quicker permit granting process. ### deleted


### 4. the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 20 of this regulation amending annexes to this regulation in order to establish the union list of projects of common interest (‘union list’) , subject to the second paragraph of article 172 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union. ### 4. the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 20 of this regulation in order to establish the union list of projects of common interest (‘union list’) , subject to the second paragraph of article 172 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union.


### 4. the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 20 of this regulation amending annexes to this regulation in order to establish the union list of projects of common interest (‘union list’) , subject to the second paragraph of article 172 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union. ### 4. the commission shall be empowered to adopt implementing acts in accordance with article 20 of this regulation in order to establish the union list of projects of common interest (‘union list’) , subject to the second paragraph of article 172 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union.


### (ii) is located on the territory of one member state and has a significant cross-border impact as set out in point (1) of annex iv. ### (ii) is located on the territory of one member state and has a significant cross-border impact or potential to create such an impact , as set out in point (1) of annex iv.


### for the part located on union territory , the project is in line with directives 2009/73/ec and (eu) 2019/944 where it falls within the infrastructure categories described in points (1) and (3) of annex ii; ### the project is in line with directives 2009/73/ec and (eu) 2019/944 where it falls within the infrastructure categories described in points (1) and (3) of annex ii;


### a well-functioning internal energy market; ### a well-functioning internal energy market , in particular through the application of third-party access , ownership unbundling and transparent and cost-reflective tariffs;


### ii) security of energy supplies based on cooperation and solidarity; ### ii) security of energy supplies based on a diversification of energy sources , cooperation and solidarity;


### (ii) security of energy supplies based on cooperation and solidarity; ### (ii) security of energy supplies based on a diversification of sources , cooperation and solidarity;


### network security and quality of supply by improving the efficiency and interoperability of gas transmission and distribution in day-to-day network operation by , among others , addressing challenges resulting from the injection of gases of different qualities through the deployment of innovative technologies and cybersecurity; ### network security and quality of supply by retrofitting , repurposing , increasing the capacity or improving the efficiency and interoperability of gas transmission and distribution or storage systems in day-to-day network operation by , among others ,addressing challenges resulting from the injection of gases of different qualities through the deployment of solutions in at least one of the following areas: innovative technologies , technological , mechanical , engineering improvements or cybersecurity;


### network security and quality of supply by improving the efficiency and interoperability of gas transmission and distribution in day-to-day network operation by , among others , addressing challenges resulting from the injection of gases of different qualities through the deployment of innovative technologies and cybersecurity; ### network security and quality of supply by retrofitting , increasing the capacity or improving the efficiency and interoperability of gas transmission and distribution or storage systems in day-to-day network operation by , among others , addressing challenges resulting from the injection of gases of different qualities through the deployment of solutions in at least one of the following areas: innovative technologies , technological , mechanical or engineering improvements or cybersecurity;


### (iii) facilitating smart energy sector integration through the creation of links to other energy carriers and sectors and enabling demand response. ### (iii) facilitating smart energy sector integration through the creation of reverse flows or links to other energy carriers and sectors and enabling demand response.


### 4. by 31 december of each year following the year of inclusion of a project of common interest on the union list pursuant to article 3 , project promoters shall submit an annual report , for each project falling under the categories set out in points (1) to (4) of annex ii , to the competent authority referred to in article 8. ### 4. by 28 february , each year following the year of inclusion of a project of common interest on the union list pursuant to article 3 , project promoters shall submit an annual report , for each project falling under the categories set out in points (1) to (4) of annex ii , to the competent authority referred to in article 8.


### 5. by 31 january , each year , the competent authorities referred to in article 8 shall submit to the agency and to the respective group the report referred to in paragraph 4 of this article supplemented with information on the progress and , where relevant , on delays in the implementation of projects of common interest located on their respective territory with regard to the permit granting processes , and on the reasons for such delays. the contribution of the competent authorities to the report shall be clearly marked as such and drafted without modifying the text introduced by the project promoters. ### 5. by 31 march , each year , the competent authorities referred to in article 8 shall submit to the agency and to the respective group the report referred to in paragraph 4 of this article supplemented with information on the progress and , where relevant , on delays in the implementation of projects of common interest located on their respective territory with regard to the permit granting processes , and on the reasons for such delays. the contribution of the competent authorities to the report shall be clearly marked as such and drafted without modifying the text introduced by the project promoters.


### 6. by [31 july 2022] and for each specific regional group per priority offshore grid corridor , as defined in annex i , national competent authorities in member states belonging to the respective group , shall jointly create unique points of contact , ‘offshore one-stop shops’ , for project promoters , which shall be responsible for facilitating and coordinating the permit granting process for offshore grids for renewable energy projects of common interest , taking into account also the need for coordination between the permitting process for the energy infrastructure and the one for the generation assets. the offshore one-stop shops shall act as a repository of existing sea basin studies and plans , aiming at facilitating the permitting process of individual projects of common interest and coordinate the issuance of the comprehensive decisions for such projects by the relevant national competent authorities. each regional group per priority offshore grid corridor , with the assistance of the national competent authorities in the members states belonging to the group , shall set-up the offshore one-stop shops depending on regional specificities and geography and determine their location , resource allocation and specific rules for their functioning. ### 6. by [31 july 2022] and for each specific regional group per priority offshore grid corridor , as defined in annex i , national competent authorities in member states belonging to the respective group , shall jointly create unique points of contact , ‘offshore one-stop shops’ , for project promoters , which shall be responsible for facilitating the permit granting process for offshore grids for renewable energy projects of common interest and energy infrastructure for offshore renewable electricity projects of common interest , by ensuring an uninterrupted flow of information between members of the regional group and serve as an information-sharing platform for peer-learning. the offshore one-stop shops shall act as a repository aggregating the existing sea basin studies and plans , aiming at facilitating the permitting process of individual projects of common interest. each regional group per priority offshore grid corridor , with the assistance of the national competent authorities in the members states belonging to the group , shall set-up the offshore one-stop shops depending on regional specificities and geography and determine their location , resource allocation and specific rules for their functioning.


### the competent authorities shall ensure that permit granting is accelerated in line with this chapter for each category of projects of common interest. to that end , the competent authorities shall adapt their requirements for the start of the permit granting process and for the acceptance of the submitted application file , to make them fit for projects which , that due to their nature , or smaller scale , may require less authorisations and approvals for reaching the ready-to-build phase , and , therefore , might not require the benefit of the pre-application procedure. such smaller scale projects may include gas and electricity smart grids and electrolysers. ### the competent authorities shall ensure that permit granting is accelerated in line with this chapter for each category of projects of common interest. to that end , the competent authorities shall adapt their requirements for the start of the permit granting process and for the acceptance of the submitted application file , to make them fit for projects which , that due to their nature , or smaller scale , may require less authorisations and approvals for reaching the ready-to-build phase , and , therefore , might not require the benefit of the pre-application procedure. such smaller scale projects may include gas and electricity smart grids.


### 6. where the changes to the methodologies are considered to be of incremental nature , not affecting the definition of benefits , costs and other relevant cost-benefit parameters , as defined in the latest energy system wide cost-benefit analysis methodology approved by the commission , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall adapt their respective methodologies taking due account of the agency’s opinion , as set out in paragraph 2 , and submit them for the agency’s approval. ### 6. where the changes to the methodologies are considered to be of incremental nature , not affecting the definition of benefits , costs and other relevant cost-benefit parameters , as defined in the latest energy system wide cost-benefit analysis methodology approved by the commission , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall adapt their respective methodologies taking due account of the agency’s opinion , as set out in paragraph 2 , and submit them for the commission’s approval together with a document providing explanatory basis to justify the proposed changes.


### 6. where the changes to the methodologies are considered to be of incremental nature , not affecting the definition of benefits , costs and other relevant cost-benefit parameters , as defined in the latest energy system wide cost-benefit analysis methodology approved by the commission , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall adapt their respective methodologies taking due account of the agency’s opinion , as set out in paragraph 2 , and submit them for the agency’s approval. ### 6. where the changes to the methodologies are considered to be of incremental nature , not affecting the definition of benefits , costs and other relevant cost-benefit parameters , as defined in the latest energy system wide cost-benefit analysis methodology approved by the commission , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall adapt their respective methodologies taking due account of the agency’s opinion , as set out in paragraph 2 , and submit them for the commission’s approval together with a document justifying the proposed changes and why those changes are considered to be of incremental nature.


### 7. in parallel , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall submit to the commission a document justifying the reasons behind the proposed updates and why those updates are considered of incremental nature. where the commission deems that those updates are not of incremental nature , it shall , by written request , ask the entso for electricity and the entso for gas to submit to it the methodologies. in such case the process described in paragraphs 2 to 5 applies. ### 7. where the commission deems that those updates are not of incremental nature , it shall , by written request , ask the entso for electricity and the entso for gas to follow the process set out in paragraphs 2 to 5.


### 8. within two weeks of the approval by the agency or the commission in accordance with paragraphs 5 and 6 , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall publish their respective methodologies on their websites. they shall publish the corresponding input data and other relevant network , load flow and market data in a sufficiently accurate form in accordance with national law and relevant confidentiality agreements. ### 8. within two weeks of the approval by the commission in accordance with paragraphs 5 and 6 , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall publish their respective methodologies on their websites. they shall publish the corresponding input data and other relevant network , load flow and market data in a sufficiently accurate form in accordance with national law and relevant confidentiality agreements.


### 9. the methodologies shall be updated and improved regularly following the procedure described in paragraphs 1 to 6. the agency , on its own initiative or upon a duly reasoned request by national regulatory authorities or stakeholders , and after formally consulting the organisations representing all relevant stakeholders and the commission , may request such updates and improvements with due justification and timescales. the agency shall publish the requests by national regulatory authorities or stakeholders and all relevant non-commercially sensitive documents leading to a request from the agency for an update or improvement. ### 9. the methodologies shall be updated and improved regularly upon request from the commission following the procedure described in paragraphs 1 to 6. the agency , on its own initiative or upon a duly reasoned request by national regulatory authorities or stakeholders , and after formally consulting the organisations representing all relevant stakeholders and the commission , may request such updates and improvements with due justification and timescales. the agency shall publish the requests by national regulatory authorities or stakeholders and all relevant non-commercially sensitive documents leading to a request from the agency for an update or improvement.


### 9. the methodologies shall be updated and improved regularly following the procedure described in paragraphs 1 to -6. the agency , on its own initiative or upon a duly reasoned request by national regulatory authorities or stakeholders , and after formally consulting the organisations representing all relevant stakeholders and the commission , may request such updates and improvements with due justification and timescales. the agency shall publish the requests by national regulatory authorities or stakeholders and all relevant non-commercially sensitive documents leading to a request from the agency for an update or improvement. ### 9. the methodologies shall be updated and improved regularly upon request from the commission following the procedure described in paragraphs 1 to 6. the agency , on its own initiative or upon a duly reasoned request by national regulatory authorities or stakeholders , and after formally consulting the organisations representing all relevant stakeholders and the commission , may request such updates and improvements with due justification and timescales. the agency shall publish the requests by national regulatory authorities or stakeholders and all relevant non-commercially sensitive documents leading to a request from the agency for an update or improvement.


### 6. the commission , giving due consideration to the agency opinion defined under paragraph 5 , shall submit its opinion to the entso for electricity and the entso for gas. ### 6. within three months of receipt of the draft joint scenarios report the commission shall submit its opinion on the compatibility of the scenarios with the latest medium and long-term european union decarbonisation targets and the latest available commission scenarios to the entso for electricity and the entso for gas.


### 7. the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall adapt their joint scenarios report , taking due account of the agency’s opinion , in line with the commission’s opinion and submit the updated report to the commission for its approval. ### 7. the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall adapt their joint scenarios report , taking due account of the agency’s and the commission’s opinions and submit the updated report to the commission for its approval. the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall provide duly justified reasons if they are not able to take the above opinions fully into account.


### 3. within six months from the presentation of the results as referred to in paragraph 2 , the relevant member states , shall update their written agreement referred to in article 14(1) with the updated joint definition of the amount of the offshore renewable generation to be deployed within each sea basin in 2050 , with intermediate steps in 2030 and 2040 , and the relevant agreement to cooperate for the achievement of such amounts. ### 3. within six months from the presentation of the results as referred to in paragraph 2 , the relevant member states , shall update their written agreement referred to in article 14(1) taking into account the results as referred to in paragraph 2 with the updated joint definition of the indicative non-binding goals for the offshore renewable generation to be deployed within each sea basin in 2050 , with intermediate steps in 2030 and 2040 , and the relevant agreement to cooperate for the achievement of such amounts.


### 4. within six months of the date on which the last investment request is received by the relevant national regulatory authorities , those national regulatory authorities shall , after consulting the project promoters concerned , take joint coordinated decisions on the allocation of investment costs to be borne by each system operator for the project , as well as their inclusion in tariffs. the national regulatory authorities shall include all the efficiently incurred investment costs in tariffs in line with the allocation of investment costs to be borne by each system operator for the project. the national regulatory authorities shall thereafter assess , where appropriate , whether any affordability issues might arise due to the inclusion of the investment costs in tariffs. ### 4. within six months of the date on which the last investment request is received by the relevant national regulatory authorities , those national authorities shall , after consulting the project promoters concerned , take joint coordinated decisions on the allocation of efficiently incurred investment costs to be borne by each system operator for the project , as well as their inclusion in tariffs. the national regulatory authorities shall include the relevant efficiently incurred investment costs in tariffs in line with the allocation of investment costs to be borne by each system operator for the project. the national regulatory authorities shall thereafter assess , where appropriate , whether any affordability issues might arise due to the inclusion of the investment costs in tariffs.


### 2. the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 3 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of seven years from [1 january 2022]. the commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the seven-year period. the delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration , unless the european parliament or the council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period. ### 2. the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 3 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of four years from [1 january 2022]. the commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the seven-year period. the delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration , unless the european parliament or the council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period.


### 2. the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 3 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of seven years from [1 january 2022]. the commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the seven-year period. the delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration , unless the european parliament or the council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period. ### 2. the power to adopt implementing acts referred to in article 3 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of four years from [1 january 2022]. the commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the seven-year period. the delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration , unless the european parliament or the council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period.


### (6) south and east offshore grid: integrated offshore electricity grid development and the related interconnectors in the mediterranean sea , black sea and neighbouring waters to transport electricity from renewable offshore energy sources to centres of consumption and storage and to increase cross-border electricity exchange. ### (6) south and east offshore grid: offshore electricity grid development or integrated offshore electricity grid development and the related interconnectors in the mediterranean sea , black sea and neighbouring waters to transport electricity from renewable offshore energy sources to centres of consumption and storage and to increase cross-border electricity exchange.


### (7) south western europe offshore grid: integrated offshore electricity grid development and the related interconnectors in the north atlantic ocean waters to transport electricity from renewable offshore energy sources to centres of consumption and storage and to increase cross-border electricity exchange. ### (7) south western europe offshore grid: offshore electricity grid development or integrated offshore electricity grid development and the related interconnectors in the north atlantic ocean waters to transport electricity from renewable offshore energy sources to centres of consumption and storage and to increase cross-border electricity exchange.


### any equipment or installation falling under category referred to in point (a) having dual functionality: interconnection and transmission of offshore renewable electricity from the offshore generation sites to two or more countries , as well as any offshore adjacent equipment or installation essential to operate safely , securely and efficiently , including protection , monitoring and control systems , and necessary substations if they also ensure technology interoperability inter alia interface compatibility between different technologies , (‘offshore grids for renewable energy’). ### any equipment or installation falling under category referred to in point (a) allowing for transmission of offshore renewable electricity from the offshore generation sites to one or more countries , as well as any offshore adjacent equipment or installation essential to operate safely , securely and efficiently , including protection , monitoring and control systems , and necessary substations if they also ensure technology interoperability inter alia interface compatibility between different technologies , (‘offshore grids for renewable energy’).


### underground storage facilities connected to the high-pressure hydrogen pipelines referred to in point (a); ### underground storage facilities connected to the high-pressure hydrogen pipelines and pipelines that transfer for a transitional period blending of hydrogen and natural gas referred to in point (a);


### reception , storage and regasification or decompression facilities for liquefied hydrogen or hydrogen embedded in other chemical substances with the objective of injecting the hydrogen into the grid; ### reception , storage and regasification or decompression facilities for liquefied hydrogen or for a transitional period liquefied hydrogen blended with liquefied natural gas and embedded in other chemical substances with the objective of injecting the hydrogen or its blending with natural gas into the grid;


### (1) a project with significant cross-border impact is a project on the territory of a member state , which fulfils the following conditions: ### (1) a project with significant cross-border impact or potential to create such is a project on the territory of a member state , which fulfils the following conditions:


### for smart electricity grids , the project is designed for equipment and installations at high-voltage and medium-voltage level. it involves transmission system operators , transmission and distribution system operators or distribution system operators from at least two member states. distribution system operators can be involved only with the support of the transmission system operators , of at least two member states , that are closely associated to the project and ensure interoperability. a project covers at least 50000 users , generators , consumers or prosumers of electricity , in a consumption area of at least 300 gigawatthours/year , of which at least 20 % originate from variable renewable resources; ### for smart electricity grids , the project is designed for equipment and installations at high-voltage and medium-voltage level. it involves transmission system operators , transmission and distribution system operators or distribution system operators from at least two member states. distribution system operators can be involved only with the support of the transmission system operators , of at least two member states , that are closely associated to the project and ensure interoperability. a project covers at least 30000 users , generators , consumers or prosumers of electricity , in a consumption area of at least 120 gigawatthours/year , of which at least 10 % originate from variable renewable resources;


### for smart electricity grids , the project is designed for equipment and installations at high-voltage and medium-voltage level. it involves transmission system operators , transmission and distribution system operators or distribution system operators from at least two member states. distribution system operators can be involved only with the support of the transmission system operators , of at least two member states , that are closely associated to the project and ensure interoperability. a project covers at least 50000 users , generators , consumers or prosumers of electricity , in a consumption area of at least 300 gigawatthours/year , of which at least 20 % originate from variable renewable resources; ### for smart electricity grids , the project is designed for equipment and installations at high-voltage and medium-voltage level. it involves transmission system operators , transmission and distribution system operators or distribution system operators from at least two member states. distribution system operators can be involved provided they ensure interoperability and their investments have a significant cross-border impactor potential to create such. . a project covers at least 50000 users , generators , consumers or prosumers of electricity , in a consumption area of at least 300 gigawatthours/year , of which at least 20 % originate from variable renewable resources;


### facilitation of smart energy sector integration measured by assessing the cost savings enabled in connected energy sectors and systems , such as the heat and power system , transport and industry. ### facilitation of smart energy sector integration measured by assessing the cost and greenhouse gas emission reduction savings and efficient use of energy enabled in connected energy sectors and systems , such as the heat and power system , transport and industry.


### (19) relevant member states should be able to assess the benefits and costs of the afferent sea basin offshore grids for renewable energy and carry out a preliminary cost sharing analysis at sea basin level to underpin joint political commitments for offshore renewable energy development at sea-basis level. therefore , the commission should develop uniform principles for a cost-benefit and cost-sharing methodology for the deployment of the integrated offshore network development plans which should enable member states to carry out an adequate assessment. ### (19) relevant member states should be able to assess the benefits and costs of the afferent sea basin offshore electricity networks for renewable energy and carry out a preliminary cost sharing analysis at sea basin level to underpin joint political commitments for offshore renewable energy development at sea-basis level. therefore , the commission should develop uniform principles for a cost-benefit and cost-sharing methodology for the deployment of the integrated offshore network development plans which should enable member states to carry out an adequate assessment.


### (44) member states that do not currently have in place accelerated or urgent judicial procedures applicable to energy infrastructure projects should be encouraged to consider introducing such procedures , in particular by evaluating whether that would lead to a quicker implementation of such projects. ### deleted


### (15) ‘relevant national regulatory authorities’ means the national regulatory authorities in the member states to which the project provides a significant positive impact; ### (15) ‘relevant national regulatory authorities’ means the national regulatory authorities in the member states hosting the projects and in member states to which the project provides a significant positive impact;


### the potential overall benefits of the project , assessed in accordance with the respective specific criteria in paragraph 3 , outweigh its costs , including in the longer term; ### the potential overall benefits of the project identified on the territory of the union and in countries applying the union acquis and which have concluded an agreement with the union , assessed in accordance with the respective specific criteria in paragraph 3 , outweigh its costs on the same perimeter , including in the longer term;


### for electrolysers falling under the category set out in point (4) of annex ii , the project is to contribute significantly to all of the following specific criteria: ### deleted


### 1. by [1 may 2023] , the member state or competent authority shall , where applicable in collaboration with other authorities concerned , publish an updated manual of procedures for the permit granting process applicable to projects of common interest to include at least the information specified in point (1) of annex vi. the manual shall not be legally binding , but it may refer to or quote relevant legal provisions. the national competent authorities shall coordinate and find synergies with neighbouring countries in developing their manual of procedures. ### 1. by [1 may 2023] , the member state or competent authority shall , where applicable in collaboration with other authorities concerned , publish an updated manual of procedures for the permit granting process applicable to projects of common interest to include at least the information specified in point (1) of annex vi. the manual shall not be legally binding , but it may refer to or quote relevant legal provisions. the national competent authorities shall cooperate with the authorities of neighbouring countries with a view to the exchange of good practices and facilitate the permit-granting process.


### 1. every two years the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall publish and submit to the commission and the agency the infrastructure gaps reports developed within the framework of the union-wide ten-year network development plans. ### 1. within [x months] of the approval of the joint scenarios report , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall publish the infrastructure gaps reports developed within the framework of the union-wide ten-year network development plans.


### 4. the commission , considering the agency’s opinion referred to in paragraph 3 , shall draft and submit its opinion to the entso for electricity or the entso for gas. ### 4. within one month of receipt of the agency’s opinion referred to in paragraph 3 the commission , considering this opinion , shall draft and submit its opinion to the entso for electricity or the entso for gas.


### 3. the integrated offshore network development plans shall be compatible with the latest union-wide ten-year network development plans in order to ensure coherent development of onshore and offshore grid planning. ### 3. the strategic offshore network development plans shall be used as an input for the union-wide ten-year network development plans in order to ensure coherent development of onshore and offshore grid planning providing for an adequate and reliable transmission grid for the transfer of electricity onshore as well as between coastal regions , inland regions and landlocked member states and to provide for a stable supply of electricity to centres of consumption.


### 4. the entso for electricity shall submit the draft integrated network development offshore plans to the commission for its opinion. ### 4. prior to submitting the respective plans , the entso for electricity shall conduct an extensive consultation process involving all relevant electricity stakeholders , including eu dso entities , and all offshore sector stakeholders and representatives of all the member states that are part of the priority offshore grid corridors set out in annex i.


### 5. the entso for electricity shall adapt the integrated offshore network development plans taking due account of the commission opinion before the publication of the final reports and submit them to the relevant priority offshore grid corridors , set out in annex i. ### 5. the entso for electricity shall adapt the strategic offshore network development plans taking due account of the commission opinion before the publication of the final reports and submit them to the relevant priority offshore grid corridors , set out in annex i.


### 1. the commission shall develop , by means of implementing acts , principles for a specific cost-benefit and cost-sharing methodology for the deployment of the integrated offshore network development plan referred to in article 14(2) in accordance with the agreement referred to in article 14(1) as part of the guidelines referred to in article 16(10). those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 21(2). ### 1. the commission shall develop , by means of implementing acts , principles for a specific cost-benefit and cost-sharing methodology for the deployment of the offshore grids for renewable energy included in the strategic offshore network development plan referred to in article 14(2) in accordance with the agreement referred to in article 14(1) as part of the guidelines referred to in article 16(10). those principles shall be compatible with the provisions outlined in article 16(1). those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 21(2).


### 2. within 12 months from the publication of the principles referred to in paragraph 1 , the entso for electricity , with the involvement of the relevant tsos , the national regulatory authorities and of the commission , shall present the results of the application of the cost-benefit and cost-sharing methodology to the priority offshore grid corridors. ### 2. within 12 months from the publication of the methodology referred to in paragraph 1(a) , the entso for electricity , with the involvement of the relevant tsos , the national regulatory authorities and of the commission , shall present the results of the application of the cost-benefit and cost-sharing methodology for the offshore grids for renewable energy included in the priority offshore grid corridors. the results of the strategic integrated offshore network development plans and the application of the cost-benefit and cost-sharing methodology to the priority offshore grid corridors shall be used as non-binding guidance by the commission and the member states and as input to be considered in the tyndp process.


### 4. within six months from the updated written agreements referred to in paragraph 3 , for each sea basin , the entso for electricity shall update the integrated offshore network development plans by following the procedure set out in article 14(2) to (5). the procedure described in article 14(6) shall apply. ### 4. when the entso for electricity updates the strategic offshore network development plans by following the procedure set out in article 14(2) to (5) that update shall be in line with the updated written agreement referred to in paragraph 3 of this article.


### projects falling under the category set out in points (1) (e) and (2) of annex ii may benefit from the provisions of this article where at least one project promoter requests its application to the relevant national authorities. ### projects falling under the category set out in points (1) (d) and (2) of annex ii may benefit from the provisions of this article where at least one project promoter requests its application to the relevant national authorities.


### the national regulatory authorities shall , upon receipt , transmit to the agency , without delay , a copy of each investment request , for information purposes. ### the project promoter shall transmit to the agency a copy of the investment request , for information purposes.


### in that case or upon a request from at least one of the relevant national regulatory authorities , the decision on the investment request including cross-border cost allocation referred to in paragraph 3 as well as the necessity for the inclusion of the cost of the investments , in its totality , as allocated across borders in the tariffs shall be taken by the agency within three months of the date of referral to the agency. ### in that case or upon a joint request from the relevant national regulatory authorities , the decision on the investment request including cross-border cost allocation referred to in paragraph 3 shall be taken by the agency within three months of the date of referral to the agency.


### 1. the power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the commission subject to the conditions laid down in this article. ### 1. the power to adopt implementing acts is conferred on the commission subject to the conditions laid down in this article.


### 4. as soon as it adopts a delegated act , the commission shall notify it simultaneously to the european parliament and to the council. ### 4. as soon as it adopts an implementing act , the commission shall notify it simultaneously to the european parliament and to the council.


### 5. a delegated act adopted pursuant to article 3 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object. that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council. ### 5. an implementing act adopted pursuant to article 3 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object. that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council.


### the progress achieved in the planning , development , construction and commissioning of offshore grids for renewable energy and the enabled deployment of offshore renewable energy; ### the progress achieved in the planning , development , construction and commissioning of offshore grids for renewable energy and energy infrastructure for offshore renewable electricity , as well as the enabled deployment of offshore renewable energy;


### regulation (eu) no 347/2013 is repealed from [1 january 2022]. no rights shall arise under the present regulation for projects listed in the annexes to regulation (eu) 347/2013. ### regulation (eu) no 347/2013 is repealed from [1 january 2022]. save where otherwise provided in this regulation no rights shall arise under the present regulation for projects listed in the annexes to regulation (eu) 347/2013. decisions on cross-border cost allocations granted on the basis of article 12 of regulation 347/2013 and related to projects for which at least the construction phase has been initiated shall remain valid. this regulation shall apply to those decisions.


### (4) concerning electrolyser facilities: ### deleted


### (7) concerning electrolyser projects falling under the category set out in point (4) of annex ii the criteria listed in article 4 shall be evaluated as follows: ### deleted


### (6) the european green deal underpins the next generation eu recovery plan which promotes the investments in key green sectors needed to build resilience , and create growth and jobs in a fair and inclusive society. the recovery and resilience facility which will power the union’s economic recovery from the coronavirus crisis together with the union budget for 2021-2027 , is also based on the priority objectives set out in the european green deal. furthermore , all initiatives under next generation eu recovery plan should respect the european green deal’s “do no harm” oath. ### (6) the european green deal underpins the next generation eu recovery plan which promotes the green investments in key economic sectors needed to build resilience , and create growth and jobs in a fair and inclusive society. the recovery and resilience facility which will power the union’s economic recovery from the coronavirus crisis together with the union budget for 2021-2027 , is also based on the priority objectives set out in the european green deal. furthermore , all initiatives under next generation eu recovery plan should respect the european green deal’s “do no harm” oath.


### (7) environment action programmes have guided the development of eu environment policy since the early 1970s. the 7th eap will expire on 31 december 2020 and its article 4 (3) requires the commission , if appropriate , to present a proposal for an eighth environment action programme (8th eap) in a timely manner with a view to avoiding a gap between the 7th and the 8th eap. the european green deal announced the adoption of a new environment action programme. ### (7) environment action programmes have guided the development and the coordination of eu environment policy since the early 1970s. the 7th eap will expire on 31 december 2020 and its article 4 (3) requires the commission , if appropriate , to present a proposal for an eighth environment action programme (8th eap) in a timely manner with a view to avoiding a gap between the 7th and the 8th eap. the european green deal announced the adoption of a new environment action programme.


### (7) environment action programmes have guided the development of eu environment policy since the early 1970s. the 7th eap will expire on 31 december 2020 and its article 4 (3) requires the commission , if appropriate , to present a proposal for an eighth environment action programme (8th eap) in a timely manner with a view to avoiding a gap between the 7th and the 8th eap. the european green deal announced the adoption of a new environment action programme. ### (7) environment action programmes have guided the development of eu environment policy since the early 1970s. the 7th eap expired on 31 december 2020 and its article 4 (3) requires the commission , if appropriate , to present a proposal for an eighth environment action programme (8th eap) in a timely manner with a view to avoiding a gap between the 7th and the 8th eap. the european green deal announced the adoption of a new environment action programme.


### (8) the 8th eap should support the environment and climate action objectives of the european green deal in line with the long-term objective to “live well , within the planetary boundaries” by 2050 , which is already established in the 7th eap. it should contribute to achieving the united nations’ 2030 agenda and its sustainable development goals. ### (8) the 8th eap should support and complement the environment and climate action objectives of the european green deal in line with the long-term objective to “live well , within the planetary boundaries” by 2050 , which is already established in the 7th eap. it should contribute to achieving the united nations’ 2030 agenda and its sustainable development goals , with due regard being had to the principles of proportionality , subsidiarity and better regulation.


### (8) the 8th eap should support the environment and climate action objectives of the european green deal in line with the long-term objective to “live well , within the planetary boundaries” by 2050 , which is already established in the 7th eap. it should contribute to achieving the united nations’ 2030 agenda and its sustainable development goals. ### (8) the 8th eap , as the overall union environment action programme , providing the framework for union action in the area of the environment and climate as set out in article 192(3) of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , should be supported by the european green deal , including in terms of the long-term aim to ‘live well , within the planetary boundaries’ by 2025 , as laid down in the 7th eap. it should contribute to achieving the united nations’ 2030 agenda and its sustainable development goals.


### (9) the 8th eap should accelerate the transition to a regenerative economy that gives back to the planet more than it takes. a regenerative growth model recognises that the wellbeing and prosperity of our societies depend on a stable climate , a healthy environment and thriving ecosystems , which provide a safe operating space for our economies. as the global population and the demand for natural resources continues to grow , economic activity should develop in a way that does no harm but , on the contrary , reverses climate change and environmental degradation , minimises pollution and results in maintaining and enriching natural capital , therefore ensuring the abundance of renewable and non-renewable resources. through continuous innovation , adaptation to new challenges and co-creation , the regenerative economy strengthens resilience and protects present and future generations’ wellbeing. ### (9) the 8th eap should accelerate the transition to climate neutrality at union level in a way which is fair for all and should take account of the different starting points of all the member states and their potential for introducing transformational change. the eap should also accelerate the transition to a resource-efficient , clean circular economy in a fair and inclusive way , protecting , safeguarding , using and restoring biodiversity in a sustainable way and consolidating the union’s natural capital , as well as protecting citizens’ health and well-being from environmental dangers and impacts. this recognises that the wellbeing and prosperity of our societies depend on a stable climate , a healthy environment and thriving ecosystems , which provide a safe operating space for our economies. as the global population and the demand for natural resources continues to grow , economic activity should develop in a way that does no harm but , on the contrary , reverses climate change and environmental degradation , minimises pollution and results in maintaining and enriching natural capital , therefore ensuring the abundance of renewable and non-renewable resources. through continuous innovation , adaptation to new challenges and co-creation , the regenerative economy strengthens resilience and protects present and future generations’ wellbeing.


### (9) the 8th eap should accelerate the transition to a regenerative economy that gives back to the planet more than it takes. a regenerative growth model recognises that the wellbeing and prosperity of our societies depend on a stable climate , a healthy environment and thriving ecosystems , which provide a safe operating space for our economies. as the global population and the demand for natural resources continues to grow , economic activity should develop in a way that does no harm but , on the contrary , reverses climate change and environmental degradation , minimises pollution and results in maintaining and enriching natural capital , therefore ensuring the abundance of renewable and non-renewable resources. through continuous innovation , adaptation to new challenges and co-creation , the regenerative economy strengthens resilience and protects present and future generations’ wellbeing. ### (9) the 8th eap should accelerate the transition to a circular economy that gives back to the planet more than it takes. a regenerative growth model recognises that the wellbeing and prosperity of our societies depend on a stable climate , a healthy environment and thriving ecosystems , which provide a safe and stable operating space for our economies. as the global population and the demand for natural resources continues to grow , economic activity should develop in a way that does no harm but , on the contrary , reverses climate change and environmental degradation , minimises pollution and results in maintaining and enriching natural capital , therefore ensuring the abundance of renewable and non-renewable resources. through continuous innovation , adaptation to new challenges and co-creation , the circular economy strengthens resilience and protects present and future generations’ wellbeing.


### (10) the 8th eap should set out thematic priority objectives in areas of climate neutrality , adaption to climate change , protecting and restoring biodiversity , circular economy , the zero pollution ambition and reducing environmental pressures from production and consumption. it should furthermore identify the enabling conditions to achieve the long-term and the thematic priority objectives for all actors involved. ### (10) the 8th eap should set out thematic priority objectives in areas of climate neutrality at union level , adaptation to climate change , protecting and restoring biodiversity , circular economy , aiming to achieve as close to zero pollution as possible and reducing environmental pressures from production and consumption. it should furthermore identify the enabling conditions to achieve the long-term and the thematic priority objectives for all actors involved.


### (10) the 8th eap should set out thematic priority objectives in areas of climate neutrality , adaption to climate change , protecting and restoring biodiversity , circular economy , the zero pollution ambition and reducing environmental pressures from production and consumption. it should furthermore identify the enabling conditions to achieve the long-term and the thematic priority objectives for all actors involved. ### (10) the 8th eap should set out thematic priority objectives in areas of climate neutrality , adaption to climate change , protecting and restoring biodiversity , circular economy , the zero pollution ambition and reducing environmental pressures from production and consumption. it should furthermore identify the enabling conditions to achieve in a gradual and coherent manner the long-term and the thematic priority objectives for all actors involved.


### (11) environment policy being highly decentralised , action to achieve the priority objectives of the 8th eap should be taken at different levels of governance , i.e. at the european , the national , the regional and the local level , with a collaborative approach to multi-level governance. the integrated approach to policy development and implementation should be strengthened with a view to maximising the synergies between economic , environmental and social objectives , while paying careful attention to potential trade-offs and to the needs of vulnerable groups. moreover , transparent engagement with non-governmental actors is important for ensuring the success of the 8th eap and the achievement of its priority objectives. ### (11) achieving the main objectives requires the existence of enabling conditions. environment policy being highly decentralised , action to achieve the priority objectives of the 8th eap should be taken at different levels of governance , i.e. at the european , the national , the regional and the local level , with a collaborative approach to multi-level governance achievable by means of additional support. the integrated approach to policy development and implementation should be strengthened with a view to maximising the synergies between economic , environmental and social objectives , while paying careful attention to potential trade-offs and to the needs of vulnerable groups. moreover , transparent engagement with non-governmental actors is important for ensuring the success of the 8th eap and the achievement of its priority objectives.


### (12) enhanced cooperation with partner countries , good global environmental governance as well as synergies between internal and external union policies are key to reach the union’s environmental and climate objectives. ### (12) enhanced cooperation with partner countries , good global environmental governance as well as synergies between internal and external union policies are key to reach the union’s environmental and climate objectives. in this respect , eu trade policy should be consistent with sustainable european values and should not favour trade with countries where environmental protection or biodiversity are not priorities.


### (15) the commission and the eea and other relevant agencies should access and re-use the data and indicators provided by the member states in accordance with applicable union legal acts. in addition , other data sources , such as satellite data and processed information from the european earth monitoring programme (copernicus) , the european forest fire information system and the european flood awareness system , or data platforms such as european marine observation and data network or the information platform for chemical monitoring should be utilised. the application of modern digital tools and artificial intelligence allows managing and analysing the data in an effective way and thereby reducing administrative burden whilst increasing timeliness and quality. ### (15) the commission and the eea and other relevant agencies should access and re-use the data and indicators provided by the member states in accordance with applicable union legal acts. in addition , other data sources , such as satellite data and processed information from the european earth monitoring programme (copernicus) , the european forest fire information system , the land parcel identification system and the european flood awareness system , or data platforms such as european marine observation and data network or the information platform for chemical monitoring should be utilised. the application of modern digital tools and artificial intelligence allows managing and analysing the data in an effective way and should thereby contribute to reducing administrative burden whilst increasing timeliness and quality.


### (18) in order to take account of evolving policy objectives and the progress made , the 8th eap should be evaluated by the commission in 2029. ### (18) in order to take account of evolving policy objectives and the progress made , the 8th eap should be evaluated by the commission in 2029. the proposal for the 9th eap should be submitted in a timely manner in order to avoid a gap between the 8th and 9th eaps.


### 2. the 8th eap aims at accelerating the transition to a climate-neutral , resource-efficient , clean and circular economy in a just and inclusive way , and endorses the environmental and climate objectives of the european green deal and its initiatives. ### 2. the 8th eap aims to make a cleaner economy possible.


### 2. the 8th eap aims at accelerating the transition to a climate-neutral , resource-efficient , clean and circular economy in a just and inclusive way , and endorses the environmental and climate objectives of the european green deal and its initiatives. ### 2. the 8th eap aims at accelerating the transition to a climate-neutral , resource-efficient , clean and circular economy in a just and inclusive way , and endorses the environmental and climate objectives of the european green deal , making them compatible with economic recovery efforts to overcome the devastating effects of the pandemic on the european economy.


### 2. the 8th eap aims at accelerating the transition to a climate-neutral , resource-efficient , clean and circular economy in a just and inclusive way , and endorses the environmental and climate objectives of the european green deal and its initiatives. ### 2. the 8th eap aims at accelerating the eu’s transition to a climate-neutral , resource-efficient , clean and circular economy in a just and inclusive way which should be promoted by the initiatives of the european green deal.