### for electricity transmission and storage projects falling under the energy infrastructure categories set out in points (1)(a) , (b) , (c) and (e) of annex ii , the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability through the integration of renewable energy into the grid and the transmission of renewable generation to major consumption centres and storage sites , and at least one of the following specific criteria: ### for electricity transmission and storage projects falling under the energy infrastructure categories set out in points (1)(a) , (b) , (c) and (e) of annex ii , the project is to respect the "do-no-harm"-principle and contribute significantly to sustainability through the integration of renewable energy into the grid and the transmission of renewable generation to major consumption centres and storage sites , and at least one of the following specific criteria:


### market integration , including through lifting the isolation of at least one member state and reducing energy infrastructure bottlenecks; competition and system flexibility; ### market integration , inter alia through lifting the isolation of at least one member state and reducing energy infrastructure bottlenecks; competition and system flexibility;


### for smart electricity grid projects falling under the energy infrastructure category set out in point (1)(d) of annex ii , the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability through the integration of renewable energy into the grid , and at least two of the following specific criteria: ### for smart electricity grid projects falling under the energy infrastructure category set out in point (1)(d) of annex ii , the project is to respect the "do-no-harm"-principle and contribute significantly to sustainability through the integration of renewable energy into the grid , and at least two of the following specific criteria:


### for smart electricity grid projects falling under the energy infrastructure category set out in point (1)(d) of annex ii , the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability through the integration of renewable energy into the grid , and at least two of the following specific criteria: ### for smart electricity grid projects falling under the energy infrastructure category set out in point(1)(d) of annex ii , the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability through the integration of renewable energy into the grid , and at least one of the following specific criteria:


### for carbon dioxide transport projects falling under the energy infrastructure categories set out in point (5) of annex ii , the project is to contribute significantly to all of the following specific criteria: ### for carbon dioxide capture , utilisation , storage and transport projects falling under the energy infrastructure categories set out in point (5) of annex ii , the project is to respect the "do-no-harm"-principle and contribute significantly to all of the following specific criteria:


### for carbon dioxide transport projects falling under the energy infrastructure categories set out in point (5) of annex ii , the project is to contribute significantly to all of the following specific criteria: ### for carbon dioxide transport projects falling under the energy infrastructure categories set out in point(5) of annex ii , the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability through avoiding carbon dioxide emissions in a most efficient manner than any other solution , and to all of the following specific criteria:


### (ii) increase the resilience and security of carbon dioxide transport; ### (ii) increase the resilience and security of carbon dioxide capture , utilisation , storage and transport;


### (ii) increase the resilience and security of carbon dioxide transport; ### deleted


### for hydrogen projects falling under the energy infrastructure categories set out in point (3) of annex ii the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability , including by reducing greenhouse gas emissions , by enhancing the deployment of renewable hydrogen and supporting variable renewable power generation by offering flexibility and/or storage solutions. furthermore , the project is to contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria: ### for hydrogen projects falling under the energy infrastructure categories set out in point (3) of annex ii the project is to respect the "do-no-harm"-principle and contribute significantly to sustainability , including by reducing greenhouse gas emissions , by enhancing the deployment of renewable hydrogen and supporting variable renewable power generation by offering flexibility and/or storage solutions. furthermore , the project is to contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria:


### for hydrogen projects falling under the energy infrastructure categories set out in point (3) of annex ii the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability , including by reducing greenhouse gas emissions , by enhancing the deployment of renewable hydrogen and supporting variable renewable power generation by offering flexibility and/or storage solutions. furthermore , the project is to contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria: ### for hydrogen projects falling under the energy infrastructure categories set out in point (3) of annex ii the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions , by enhancing the deployment of renewable hydrogen and supporting variable renewable power generation by offering flexibility and/or storage solutions. furthermore , the project is to contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria:


### for hydrogen projects falling under the energy infrastructure categories set out in point (3) of annex ii the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability , including by reducing greenhouse gas emissions , by enhancing the deployment of renewable hydrogen and supporting variable renewable power generation by offering flexibility and/or storage solutions. furthermore , the project is to contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria: ### for hydrogen projects falling under the energy infrastructure categories set out in point (3) of annex ii the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions , by enhancing the deployment of renewable hydrogen and supporting variable renewable power generation by offering flexibility and/or storage solutions , while not inhibiting decarbonisation of the power system in the union or third countries. furthermore , the project is to contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria:


### sustainability , including by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing the deployment of renewable hydrogen. ### sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing the deployment of renewable hydrogen.


### sustainability , including by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing the deployment of renewable hydrogen. ### decarbonisation and enhancing the deployment of renewable hydrogen.


### (iii) facilitating smart energy sector integration through linking different energy carriers and sectors. ### (iii) facilitating smart energy sector integration through linking different energy carriers and sectors or enabling flexibility services such as demand response and storage.


### for smart gas grid projects falling under the energy infrastructure category set out in point (2) of annex ii , the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability by enabling and facilitating the integration of renewable and low-carbon gases , such as biomethane , or renewable hydrogen , into the gas distribution and transmission networks in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. furthermore , the project is to contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria: ### for smart gas grid projects falling under the energy infrastructure category set out in point (2) of annex ii , the project is to respect the "do-no-harm"-principle and contribute significantly to sustainability by enabling and facilitating the integration of renewable and decarbonised gases , such as biomethane , or renewable hydrogen , into the gas distribution and transmission networks in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. furthermore , the project is to contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria:


### for smart gas grid projects falling under the energy infrastructure category set out in point (2) of annex ii , the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability by enabling and facilitating the integration of renewable and low-carbon gases , such as biomethane , or renewable hydrogen , into the gas distribution and transmission networks in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. furthermore , the project is to contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria: ### for smart gas grid projects falling under the energy infrastructure category set out in point (2)of annex ii , the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability by enabling and facilitating the integration of renewable such as biomethane , or renewable hydrogen , into the gas distribution and transmission networks in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. furthermore , the project is to contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria:


### for smart gas grid projects falling under the energy infrastructure category set out in point (2) of annex ii , the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability by enabling and facilitating the integration of renewable and low-carbon gases , such as biomethane , or renewable hydrogen , into the gas distribution and transmission networks in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. furthermore , the project is to contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria: ### for smart gas grid projects falling under the energy infrastructure category set out in point (2) of annex ii , the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability by enabling and facilitating the integration of renewable hydrogen into the gas distribution and transmission networks in order to contribute to its complete decarbonisation. furthermore , the project is to contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria:


### for smart gas grid projects falling under the energy infrastructure category set out in point (2) of annex ii , the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability by enabling and facilitating the integration of renewable and low-carbon gases , such as biomethane , or renewable hydrogen , into the gas distribution and transmission networks in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. furthermore , the project is to contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria: ### for smart gas grid projects falling under the energy infrastructure category set out in point (2) of annex ii , the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability by enabling and facilitating the integration of renewable and low-carbon gases and not increasing the eu carbon footprint , such as biomethane , or renewable hydrogen , into the gas distribution and transmission networks in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. furthermore , the project is to contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria:


### for smart gas grid projects falling under the energy infrastructure category set out in point (2) of annex ii , the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability by enabling and facilitating the integration of renewable and low-carbon gases , such as biomethane , or renewable hydrogen , into the gas distribution and transmission networks in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. furthermore , the project is to contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria: ### for smart gas grid projects falling under the energy infrastructure category set out in point (2) of annex ii , the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability by enabling and facilitating the integration of renewable such as biomethane , or renewable hydrogen , into the gas distribution and transmission networks in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. furthermore , the project is to contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria:


### 1. project promoters shall draw up an implementation plan for projects of common interest , including a timetable for each of the following: ### 1. project promoters shall draw up a publicly available implementation plan for projects of common interest , including a timetable for each of the following:


### prior to submitting their respective methodologies , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall conduct an extensive consultation process involving at least the organisations representing all relevant stakeholders , including the entity of distribution system operators in the union (‘eu dso entity’) , all relevant hydrogen stakeholders and , where it is deemed appropriate the national regulatory authorities and other national authorities. ### prior to submitting their respective methodologies , the agency shall conduct an extensive consultation process involving the entso for electricity and the entso for gas and at least the organisations representing all relevant stakeholders , including the entity of distribution system operators in the union (‘eu dso entity’) , all relevant hydrogen stakeholders and , where it is deemed appropriate the national regulatory authorities and other national authorities.


### prior to submitting their respective methodologies , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall conduct an extensive consultation process involving at least the organisations representing all relevant stakeholders , including the entity of distribution system operators in the union (‘eu dso entity’) , all relevant hydrogen stakeholders and , where it is deemed appropriate the national regulatory authorities and other national authorities. ### prior to submitting the integrated , science-reviewed methodology , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall conduct an extensive consultation process involving at least the organisations representing all relevant stakeholders , including the entity of distribution system operators in the union (‘eu dso entity’) , all relevant hydrogen stakeholders , civil society and , where it is deemed appropriate the national regulatory authorities and other national authorities.


### 2. within three months of the receipt of the methodologies together with the input received in the consultation process and a report on how it was taken into account , the agency shall provide an opinion to the entso for electricity , the entso for gas , the member states , and the commission and publish it on the agency’s website. ### 2. within three months of the receipt of the methodologies , the commission , member states and the entsos may deliver an opinion on the methodologies. the opinions shall be submitted to the agency and be publicly available.


### 2. within three months of the receipt of the methodologies together with the input received in the consultation process and a report on how it was taken into account , the agency shall provide an opinion to the entso for electricity , the entso for gas , the member states , and the commission and publish it on the agency’s website. ### deleted


### 10. every three years , the agency shall establish and make publicly available a set of indicators and corresponding reference values for the comparison of unit investment costs for comparable projects of the infrastructure categories included in points (1) and (3) of annex ii. those reference values may be used by the entso for electricity and the entso for gas for the cost-benefit analyses carried out for subsequent union-wide ten-year network development plans. the first of such indicators shall be published by [1 november 2022]. ### 10. every three years , the agency shall establish and make publicly available a set of indicators and corresponding reference values for the comparison of unit investment costs for comparable projects of the infrastructure categories included in points (1) and(3) of annex ii. the first of such indicators shall be published by [1 november 2022].


### 10. every three years , the agency shall establish and make publicly available a set of indicators and corresponding reference values for the comparison of unit investment costs for comparable projects of the infrastructure categories included in points (1) and (3) of annex ii. those reference values may be used by the entso for electricity and the entso for gas for the cost-benefit analyses carried out for subsequent union-wide ten-year network development plans. the first of such indicators shall be published by [1 november 2022]. ### 10. every three years , the agency shall establish and make publicly available a set of indicators and corresponding reference values for the comparison of unit investment costs for comparable projects of the infrastructure categories included in points (1) and (3) of annex ii.


### 11. by [31 december 2023] , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall jointly submit to the commission and the agency a consistent and interlinked energy market and network model including electricity , gas and hydrogen transmission infrastructure as well as storage , lng and electrolysers , covering the energy infrastructure priority corridors and the areas drawn up in line with the principles laid down in annex v. ### 11. by [31 december 2023] , the agency shall submit to the commission and the member states a consistent and interlinked energy market and network model including electricity , gas and hydrogen transmission infrastructure as well as storage , heat and electrolysers , covering the energy infrastructure priority corridors and the areas drawn up in line with the principles laid down in annex v.


### 11. by [31 december 2023] , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall jointly submit to the commission and the agency a consistent and interlinked energy market and network model including electricity , gas and hydrogen transmission infrastructure as well as storage , lng and electrolysers , covering the energy infrastructure priority corridors and the areas drawn up in line with the principles laid down in annex v. ### 11. by [31 december 2023] , the agency shall jointly submit to the commission and the esabcc a consistent and interlinked energy market and network model including electricity , gas and hydrogen transmission infrastructure as well as storage , lng and electrolysers , covering the energy infrastructure priority corridors and the areas drawn up in line with the principles laid down in annex v.


### 1. by [31 july 2022] , the agency , after having conducted an extensive consultation process involving the commission and at least the organisations representing all relevant stakeholders , including the entso for electricity , the entso for gas , union dso entity , and relevant hydrogen sector stakeholders , shall publish the framework guidelines for the joint scenarios to be developed by entso for electricity and entso for gas. those guidelines shall be regularly updated as found necessary. ### 1. by [31 july 2022] , the agency , after having conducted an extensive consultation process involving the commission and at least the organisations representing all relevant stakeholders , including the entso for electricity , the entso for gas , union dso entity , representatives from the hydrogen sector , renewable electricity industry , flexibility providers and civil society , shall publish the framework guidelines for the joint scenarios to be developed by the agency. those guidelines shall be regularly updated as found necessary.


### 1. by [31 july 2022] , the agency , after having conducted an extensive consultation process involving the commission and at least the organisations representing all relevant stakeholders , including the entso for electricity , the entso for gas , union dso entity , and relevant hydrogen sector stakeholders , shall publish the framework guidelines for the joint scenarios to be developed by entso for electricity and entso for gas. those guidelines shall be regularly updated as found necessary. ### 1. by [31 july 2022] , the agency , after having conducted an extensive consultation process involving the esabcc and the commission and at least the organisations representing all relevant stakeholders , including the entso for electricity , the entso for gas , union dso entity , and relevant hydrogen sector stakeholders , shall publish the framework guidelines for the joint scenario to be developed by the agency and the esabcc. those guidelines shall be regularly updated as found necessary.


### the guidelines shall include the energy efficiency first principle and ensure that the underlying entso for electricity and entso for gas scenarios are fully in line with the latest medium and long-term european union decarbonisation targets and the latest available commission scenarios. ### the guidelines shall include the energy efficiency first and do-no-harm principles and ensure that the underlying entso for electricity and entso for gas scenarios are fully in line with the latest medium and long-term european union decarbonisation targets and the latest available commission scenarios.


### the guidelines shall include the energy efficiency first principle and ensure that the underlying entso for electricity and entso for gas scenarios are fully in line with the latest medium and long-term european union decarbonisation targets and the latest available commission scenarios. ### the guidelines shall implement the energy efficiency first principle , by developing – together with relevant expertise – indicators to assess the energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness of investments from an overall energy network perspective , and ensure that the underlying acer’s scenarios are fully in line with the latest medium and long-term european union decarbonisation targets and the latest available commission scenarios.


### the guidelines shall include the energy efficiency first principle and ensure that the underlying entso for electricity and entso for gas scenarios are fully in line with the latest medium and long-term european union decarbonisation targets and the latest available commission scenarios. ### the guidelines shall operationalise the energy efficiency first principle and ensure that the underlying scenario is fully in line with the latest medium and long-term european union decarbonisation targets and the latest available commission scenarios.


### 2. the entso for electricity and entso for gas shall follow the agency’s framework guidelines when developing the joint scenarios to be used for the union-wide ten-year network development plans. ### deleted


### 4. the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall publish and submit the draft joint scenarios report to the agency and the commission for their opinion. ### 4. the agency shall publish and submit the draft joint scenarios report to the commission for its opinion.


### 4. the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall publish and submit the draft joint scenarios report to the agency and the commission for their opinion. ### 4. the agency shall publish and submit the draft scenario report to the commission for its opinion.


### 5. within three months from the receipt of the draft joint scenarios report together with the input received in the consultation process and a report on how it was taken into account , the agency shall submit its opinion to the entso for electricity , entso for gas and the commission. ### deleted


### when assessing the infrastructure gaps the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall implement the energy efficiency first principle and consider with priority all relevant non-infrastructure related solutions to address the identified gaps. ### when assessing the infrastructure gaps the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall implement the energy efficiency first principle and with particular regard to those gaps affecting the ability to accomplish the union's decarbonisation targets and consider with priority all relevant non-infrastructure related solutions including sector coupling projects to address the identified gaps.


### when assessing the infrastructure gaps the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall implement the energy efficiency first principle and consider with priority all relevant non-infrastructure related solutions to address the identified gaps. ### when assessing the infrastructure gaps the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall implement the energy efficiency first principle and consider with priority allrelevant non-infrastructure related solutions to address the identified gaps. to ensure implementation of the energy efficiency first principle , the entsos shall a) ensure transparency on the energy demand assumptions used for all fuels available in the geography and which underpin the project b) provide a schedule of all non-infrastructure related solutions considered to address the identified gaps.


### when assessing the infrastructure gaps the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall implement the energy efficiency first principle and consider with priority all relevant non-infrastructure related solutions to address the identified gaps. ### when assessing the infrastructure gaps the agency shall implement the energy efficiency first principle and consider with priority all relevant non-infrastructure related solutions to address the identified gaps. to ensure implementation of the energy efficiency first principle , the entsos shall a) ensure transparency on the energy demand assumptions used for all fuels available , which underpin the project b) provide an overview of all non-infrastructure related solutions considered to address the identified gaps and why they where not implemented.


### prior to submitting their respective reports , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall conduct an extensive consultation process involving all relevant stakeholders , including the union dso entity , all relevant hydrogen stakeholders and all the member states representatives part of the priority corridors defined in annex i. ### prior to submitting their respective reports , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall conduct an extensive consultation process involving all relevant demand and supply side stakeholders , including the union dso entity , representatives from the hydrogen sector , renewable electricity industry , flexibility providers and civil society and all the member states representatives part of the priority corridors defined in annex i.


### prior to submitting their respective reports , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall conduct an extensive consultation process involving all relevant stakeholders , including the union dso entity , all relevant hydrogen stakeholders and all the member states representatives part of the priority corridors defined in annex i. ### deleted


### 3. within three months following receipt of the infrastructure gaps report together with the input received in the consultation process and a report on how it was taken into account , the agency shall submit its opinion to the entso for electricity or entso for gas and the commission. ### 3. within three months following receipt of the infrastructure gaps report together with the input received in the consultation process and a report on how it was taken into account , the agency shall submit its opinion to the entso for electricity or entso for gas and the commission and make it publicly available.


### 3. within three months following receipt of the infrastructure gaps report together with the input received in the consultation process and a report on how it was taken into account , the agency shall submit its opinion to the entso for electricity or entso for gas and the commission. ### deleted


### 5. the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall adapt their infrastructure gaps reports taking due account of the agency’s opinion and in line with the commission’s opinion before the publication of the final infrastructure gaps reports. ### 5. the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall adapt their infrastructure gaps reports in line with the agency’s opinion and in line with the commission’s opinion. justifications must be provided if these opinions are not reflected in the final infrastructure gaps reports.


### 5. the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall adapt their infrastructure gaps reports taking due account of the agency’s opinion and in line with the commission’s opinion before the publication of the final infrastructure gaps reports. ### 5. the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall adapt their infrastructure gaps reports inline with the agency’s opinion and in line with the commission’s opinion.. justifications must be provided if these opinions are not integrated in the final infrastructure gaps reports.


### 5. the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall adapt their infrastructure gaps reports taking due account of the agency’s opinion and in line with the commission’s opinion before the publication of the final infrastructure gaps reports. ### 5. the agency shall adapt their infrastructure gaps reports taking due account of the entso for electricity and the entso for gas' opinion and in line with the commission’s and the esabcc's opinion before the publication of the final infrastructure gaps reports.


### 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. the integrated offshore plans may also include renewable hydrogen infrastructure if considered relevant. those integrated offshore network development plans shall thereafter be updated every three years.


### in allocating costs across borders , the relevant national regulatory authorities , in consultation with the tsos concerned , shall seek a mutual agreement based on , but not limited to , the information specified in paragraphs 3(a) and (b). their assessment shall be based on the same scenario as used in the selection process for the elaboration of the union list where the project of common interests is listed. ### in allocating costs across borders , the relevant national regulatory authorities , in consultation with the grid operators concerned , shall seek a mutual agreement based on , but not limited to , the information specified in paragraphs3(a) and (b).their assessment shall be based on the same scenario as used in the selection process for the elaboration of the union list where the project of common interests is listed.


### the effectiveness of this regulation in contributing to the climate and energy targets for 2030 , and , in the longer term , to the achievement of climate neutrality by 2050. ### the effectiveness of this regulation in contributing to the climate and energy targets for 2030 , and , in the longer term , to the achievement of climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest.


### the main expected benefits and the costs of the projects except for any commercially sensitive information; ### the main expected benefits and the costs of the projects , as well as the expected climate benefits , except for any commercially sensitive information;


### (12) cross-border carbon dioxide network: development of carbon dioxide transport infrastructure between member states and with neighbouring third countries in view of the deployment of carbon dioxide capture and storage. ### (12) cross-border carbon dioxide network: development of carbon dioxide capture , utilisation , storage and transport infrastructure between member states and with neighbouring third countries in view of the deployment of carbon dioxide capture and storage.


### (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 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 , 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 renewable hydrogen into the hydrogen network , support the uptake of innovative 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 renewable and decarbonised gases (including biomethane or green 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 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 (including biomethane or renewable 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 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 hydrogen into the hydrogen 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 the 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.


### (3) concerning hydrogen: ### (3) concerning green hydrogen:


### (3) concerning hydrogen: ### (3) concerning renewables-based 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 green 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;


### 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 that: (i) have at least 100 mw capacity , (ii) the production complies with the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions savings requirement of 80 % 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;


### dedicated pipelines , other than upstream pipeline network , used to transport carbon dioxide from more than one source , i.e. industrial installations (including power plants) that produce carbon dioxide gas from combustion or other chemical reactions involving fossil or non-fossil carbon-containing compounds , for the purpose of permanent geological storage of carbon dioxide pursuant to directive 2009/31/ec of the european parliament and of the council61 ; ### dedicated infrastructure used to capture and transport carbon dioxide from sources that produce carbon dioxide gas from combustion or other chemical reactions involving fossil or non-fossil carbon-containing compounds , for the purpose of permanent geological storage of carbon dioxide pursuant to directive 2009/31/ec of the european parliament and of the council61 ;


### dedicated pipelines , other than upstream pipeline network , used to transport carbon dioxide from more than one source , i.e. industrial installations (including power plants) that produce carbon dioxide gas from combustion or other chemical reactions involving fossil or non-fossil carbon-containing compounds , for the purpose of permanent geological storage of carbon dioxide pursuant to directive 2009/31/ec of the european parliament and of the council61 ; ### deleted


### facilities for liquefaction and buffer storage of carbon dioxide in view of its further transportation. this does not include infrastructure within a geological formation used for the permanent geological storage of carbon dioxide pursuant to directive 2009/31/ec and associated surface and injection facilities; ### facilities for liquefaction and buffer storage of carbon dioxide in view of its further transportation. this includes infrastructure within a geological formation used for the permanent geological storage of carbon dioxide pursuant to directive 2009/31/ec and associated surface and injection facilities;


### facilities for liquefaction and buffer storage of carbon dioxide in view of its further transportation. this does not include infrastructure within a geological formation used for the permanent geological storage of carbon dioxide pursuant to directive 2009/31/ec and associated surface and injection facilities; ### deleted


### (1) with regard to energy infrastructure falling under the competency of national regulatory authorities , each group shall be composed of representatives of the member states , national regulatory authorities , tsos , as well as the commission , the agency and the entso for electricity or the entso for gas , as relevant. ### (1) with regard to energy infrastructure falling under the competency of national regulatory authorities , each group shall be composed of representatives of the member states , national regulatory authorities , tsos , dsos as well as the commission , the agency and the entso for electricity or the entso for gas , representatives from the hydrogen sector , renewable electricity industry , flexibility providers and civil society as relevant.


### (6) proposed carbon dioxide transport projects falling under the category set out in point (5) of annex ii shall be presented as part of a plan , developed by at least two member states , for the development of cross-border carbon dioxide transport and storage infrastructure , to be presented by the member states concerned or entities designated by those member states to the commission. ### (6) proposed carbon dioxide capture , utilisation , storage and transport projects falling under the category set out in point (5) of annex ii shall be presented as part of a plan , developed by at least two member states , for the development of cross-border carbon dioxide transport and storage infrastructure , to be presented by the member states concerned or entities designated by those member states to the commission.


### (6) proposed carbon dioxide transport projects falling under the category set out in point (5) of annex ii shall be presented as part of a plan , developed by at least two member states , for the development of cross-border carbon dioxide transport and storage infrastructure , to be presented by the member states concerned or entities designated by those member states to the commission. ### deleted


### 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 two member states and the third countries. the calculation of the benefits for the member states shall be performed and published by the agency in the frame of union-wide ten-year network development plan;


### for projects of mutual interest in the category set out in point (3) of annex ii , the hydrogen project enables the transmission of hydrogen across at the border of a member state with one or more third countries and proves bringing 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 gas in the frame of union-wide ten-year network development plan; ### for projects of mutual interest in the category set out in point (3) of annex ii , the hydrogen project enables the transmission of renewables-based hydrogen across the border of a member state with one or more third countries and proves bringing significant benefits , under the specific criteria listed in in article 4(3) , to at least two member states and the third countries , while not inhibiting their decarbonisation. the calculation of the benefits for the member states shall be performed and published by the agency in the frame of union-wide ten-year network development plan;


### for projects of mutual interest in the category set out in point (5) of annex ii , the project can be used to transport anthropogenic carbon dioxide by at least two member states and a third country. ### for projects of mutual interest in the category set out in point (5) of annex ii , the project can be used to capture , utilise , store and transport anthropogenic carbon dioxide by at least two member states and a third country.


### for projects of mutual interest in the category set out in point (5) of annex ii , the project can be used to transport anthropogenic carbon dioxide by at least two member states and a third country. ### deleted


### 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: accomplishing the union objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest by reducing greenhouse gas emission in different end-use applications of hard to abate sectors , such as industry or heavy duty and long haul 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 renewable hydrogen. ### sustainability measured as the contribution of a project to: greenhouse gas emission reductions in hard to abate sectors different end-use applications , such as heavy industry or long duty transport; flexibility and seasonal storage options for renewable electricity generation; or the integration of renewable hydrogen.


### security of supply and flexibility measured by calculating the additional value of the project to the resilience , diversity and flexibility of hydrogen supply. ### security of supply and flexibility measured by calculating the additional value of the project to the resilience , diversity and flexibility of green hydrogen supply.


### 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 and decarbonised gases integrated into the gas network contributing to the union objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest , 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 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 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 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 related greenhouse gas emission savings towards total system decarbonisation 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 local renewable and decarbonised 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 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 local renewable and 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 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 local renewable hydrogen , the stability of system operation , the duration and frequency of interruptions per customer.


### 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 meeting the criteria defined in point (4) (a) (ii) of annex ii integrated into the network , and the related greenhouse gas emission savings contributing to the union objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest ;


### (4) it shall give guidance for the development and use of network and market modelling necessary for the cost-benefit analysis. the modelling shall allow for a full assessment of economic , including market integration , security of supply and competition , social and environmental and climate impacts , including the cross-sectorial impacts. the methodology shall include details on why , what and how each of the benefits and costs are calculated. ### (4) it shall give guidance for the development and use of network and market modelling necessary for the cost-benefit analysis. the modelling shall allow for a full assessment of economic , including market integration , security of supply and competition ,social and environmental and climate impacts , including the cross-sectorial impacts and indirect cross border impact. the methodology shall include details on why , what and how each of the benefits and costs are calculated.


### (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 must include in its scope the possibility of 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. this to secure future and fair cooperation. 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 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 one or more member states and at least one third country. such projects would be eligible for inclusion in the union list upon conditions of policy consistency with the overall policy objective of 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 policy objectives' alignment or convergence should be presumed for the european economic area or energy community contracting parties as well as countries involved in the renewed partnership for the southern neighbourhood - new agenda for the mediterranean , that are already operating and are aligned to eu requirements (med-tso members) or with third countries having signed bilateral agreements with the union including relevant provisions on climate change mitigation and energy policy objectives . 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 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 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. it has to be provided that the strategies are aligned with the partnering countries’ economic , social and environmental interests and concerns as well as decarbonization objectives , are non-detrimental to the energy security of the partnering countries and the union , human rights or sustainable community livelihoods , and contribute to sharing know-how. 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) 2019/943 of the european parliament and of the council31 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 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) 2019/943 of the european parliament and of the council31 and regulation (ec) no 715/2009 of the european parliament and of the council32. the process should be made in the most effective manner possible to avoid duplication.


### (34) despite the existence of established standards ensuring the participation of the public in environmental decision-making procedures , which apply fully to projects of common interest , additional measures are still required under this regulation to ensure the highest possible standards of transparency and public participation in all relevant issues in the permit granting process for projects of common interest. where already covered by national rules under the same or higher standards as in this regulation , the pre-consultation ahead of the permitting procedure should become optional and avoid duplication of legal requirements. ### (34) despite the existence of established standards ensuring the participation of the public in environmental decision-making procedures , which apply fully to projects of common interest , additional measures are still required under this regulation to ensure the highest possible standards of transparency and public participation in all relevant issues in the permit granting process for projects of common interest. where already covered by national rules under the same or higher standards as in this regulation , the pre-consultation ahead of the permitting procedure must become optional and avoid duplication of legal requirements.


### (39) the discussion on the appropriate allocation of costs should be based on the analysis of the costs and benefits of an infrastructure project carried out on the basis of a harmonised methodology for energy-system-wide analysis , using the same scenario used at the time when the project was included in the union list of projects of common interest , in the framework of the union-wide ten-year network development plans prepared by the european networks of transmission system operators pursuant to regulation (eu) 2019/943 and (ec) no 715/2009 , and reviewed by the agency. that analysis can take into consideration indicators and corresponding reference values for the comparison of unit investment costs. ### (39) the discussion on the appropriate allocation of costs should be based on the analysis of the costs and benefits of an infrastructure project carried out on the basis of a harmonised methodology for energy-system-wide analysis , using the same scenario used at the time when the project was included in the union list of projects of common interest , in the framework of the union-wide ten-year network development plans prepared by the agency. that analysis can take into consideration indicators and corresponding reference values for the comparison of unit investment costs.


### (47) grants for works related to projects of mutual interest should be available only for the investments located on the territory of the union and only in case where at least two member states contribute financially in a significant manner to the investment costs of the project in view of its benefits. ### (47) grants for works related to projects of mutual interest should be available where they contribute to the overall climate and energy policy objectives of the union , with the third country's decarbonisation objectives in line with the paris agreement , and only in case where one or more member states contribute financially in a significant manner to the investment costs of the project in view of its benefits.


### in addition to the definitions in directives 2009/73/ec , (eu) 2018/200146 and (eu) 2019/944 of the european parliament and of the council and in regulations (ec) no 715/2009 , (eu) 2019/942 , and (eu) 2019/943 , the following definitions shall apply for the purposes of this regulation: ### in addition to the definitions in directives 2009/73/ec , (eu) 2018/200146 and (eu)2019/944 of the european parliament and of the council and in regulations (ec)no 715/2009 , (eu) 2018/1999 , (eu) 2019/942 , and (eu) 2019/943 , the following definitions shall apply for the purposes of this regulation:


### (5) ‘project of mutual interest’ means a project promoted by the union in cooperation with third countries; ### (5) ‘project of mutual interest’ means a project promoted by the union or at least one member state in cooperation with third countries , pursuant to an intergovernmental agreement or other arrangements , within the energy infrastructure categories in annex ii , which contributes to the union’s overall energy and climate objectives as referred in article 1 (1) , and which is part of the union list of projects referred to in article 3;


### 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. the commission shall establish the union list by adopting separate delegated acts , one per each of the infrastructure categories outlined in annex ii.


### 6. projects of common interest included on the union list pursuant to paragraph 4 of this article under the energy infrastructure categories set out in points (1)(a) , (b) , (c) and (e) of annex ii , shall become an integral part of the relevant regional investment plans under article 34 of regulation (eu) 2019/943 and article 12 of regulation (ec) no 715/2009 and of the relevant national 10-year network development plans under article 51 of directive (eu) 2019/944 and article 22 of directive 2009/73/ec and other national infrastructure plans concerned , as appropriate. those projects shall be conferred the highest possible priority within each of those plans. this paragraph shall not apply to projects of mutual interest. ### 6. projects of common interest included on the union list pursuant to paragraph 4 of this article under the energy infrastructure categories set out in points (1)(a) , (b) , (c) and (e) of annex ii , shall become an integral part of the relevant regional investment plans under article 34 of regulation (eu) 2019/943 and article 12 of regulation (ec) no 715/2009 and of the relevant national 10-year network development plans under article 51 of directive (eu) 2019/944 and article 22 of directive 2009/73/ec and other national infrastructure plans concerned , as appropriate. those projects shall be conferred the highest possible priority within each of those plans.


### the third country or countries involved have a high level of regulatory alignment or convergence to support the overall policy objectives of the union , in particular to ensure: ### the third country or countries involved have a high level of policy or regulatory alignment or convergence or contribute to the mitigation of climate change and to the eu transition towards climate neutrality , supporting the overall policy objectives of the union , in particular to ensure:


### ii) security of energy supplies based on cooperation and solidarity; ### ii) security of energy supplies based on cooperation and solidarity; with the purpose of reducing strategic energy dependencies ;


### for carbon dioxide transport projects falling under the energy infrastructure categories set out in point (5) of annex ii , the project is to contribute significantly to all of the following specific criteria: ### deleted


### (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 links to other energy carriers and sectors and enabling demand response , storage and facilitating flexibility services.


### in assessing projects , each group shall give due consideration to: ### in assessing projects , to ensure a consistent assessment method among the different groups each group shall give due consideration to


### 3. without prejudice to relevant requirements under international and union law , the competent authority shall facilitate the issuing of the comprehensive decision. the comprehensive decision shall be the final proof that the project of common interest has achieved ready-to-build status and there shall be no other requirements for any additional permits or authorisations in that respect. the comprehensive decision shall be issued within the time limit referred to in article 10(1) and (2) and in accordance with one of the following schemes: ### 3. without prejudice to relevant requirements under international law , union law and national law the competent authority shall facilitate the issuing of the comprehensive decision. the comprehensive decision shall be the final proof that the project of common interest has achieved ready-to-build status and there shall be no other requirements for any additional permits or authorisations in that respect. the comprehensive decision shall be issued within the time limit referred to in article 10(1) and (2) and in accordance with one of the following schemes:


### 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 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 energy infrastructure for offshore renewable electricity projects 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.


### 1. by [16 november 2022] , the european network of transmission system operators (entso) for electricity and the entso for gas shall publish and submit to member states , the commission and the agency their respective methodologies , including the network and market modelling , for a harmonised energy system-wide cost-benefit analysis at union level for projects of common interest falling under the categories set out in points (1)(a) , (b) , (c) and (e) and point (3) of annex ii. ### 1. by [16 november 2022] , the agency in collaboration with the european network of transmission system operators (entso) for electricity and the entso for gas , shall publish and submit to member states , the commission the integrated methodologies , including the network and market modelling , for a harmonised energy system-wide cost-benefit analysis at union level for projects of common interest falling under the categories set out in points (1)(a) , (b) , (c) and (e) and point (3) of annex ii.


### 1. by [16 november 2022] , the european network of transmission system operators (entso) for electricity and the entso for gas shall publish and submit to member states , the commission and the agency their respective methodologies , including the network and market modelling , for a harmonised energy system-wide cost-benefit analysis at union level for projects of common interest falling under the categories set out in points (1)(a) , (b) , (c) and (e) and point (3) of annex ii. ### 1. by [16 november 2022] , the agency in collaboration with the european network of transmission system operators (entso) for electricity , the entso for gas and the european scientific advisory board on climate change , shall publish and submit to member states and the commission the integrated methodologies , including the network and market modelling , for a harmonised energy system-wide cost-benefit and climate compatibility analysis , that ensures the consistency with the 1.5°c goal of the paris agreement , at union level for projects of common and mutual interest falling under the categories set out in points (1)(a) , (b) , (c) and (e) and point (3) of annex ii.


### those methodologies shall be applied for the preparation of each subsequent union–wide ten-year network development plans developed by the entso for electricity or the entso for gas pursuant to article 8 of regulation (ec) no 715/2009 and article 30 of regulation (eu) 2019/943. those methodologies shall be drawn up in line with the principles laid down in annex v and be consistent with the rules and indicators set out in annex iv. ### those methodologies shall be applied for the preparation of each subsequent union–wide ten-year network development plans developed by the agency. those methodologies shall be drawn up in line with the principles laid down in annex v and be consistent with the rules and indicators set out in annex iv.


### 3. the entso for electricity and the entso for gas , shall update the methodologies taking due account of the agency’s opinion , as referred to in paragraph 2 , and submit them to the commission for its opinion. ### deleted


### 4. within three months of the day of receipt of the updated methodologies , the commission shall submit its opinion to the entso for electricity and the entso for gas. ### deleted


### 5. no later than three months of the day of receipt of the commission’s opinion , as referred to in paragraph 4 , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall adapt their respective methodologies taking due account of the commission’s opinion , and submit them to the commission for approval. ### 5. no later than three months of the day of receipt of the commission’s opinion , as referred to in paragraph 4 , the agency shall adapt the methodologies taking due account of the commission’s opinion , or justifying the reasons if not taken into consideration , and submit them to the commission for approval.


### 5. no later than three months of the day of receipt of the commission’s opinion , as referred to in paragraph 4 , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall adapt their respective methodologies taking due account of the commission’s opinion , and submit them to the commission for approval. ### 5. no later than three months of the day of receipt of the commission’s opinion , as referred to in paragraph 4 , the agency shall adapt their methodology taking due account of the commission’s opinion , and submit them to the commission for 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 agency’s approval. ### deleted


### 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. ### deleted


### 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 , the agency shall publish the methodologies on its websites. the agency 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 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 agency shall publish the methodology on its websites. the agency 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 following the procedure described in this article 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.


### 3. the entso for electricity and entso for gas shall invite the organisations representing all relevant stakeholders , including the union dso entity and all relevant hydrogen stakeholders , to participate in the scenarios development process. ### 3. in order to deliver an integrated energy system , a balanced depth of expertise across all climate neutral energy solutions , from demand through delivery to supply side , is required in the agency’s scenarios building process. the agency shall invite relevant technical expertise , including the entso for electricity and entso for gas , the union dso entity and all relevant representatives from the hydrogen sector , renewable electricity industry , flexibility providers and civil society to participate in the scenarios development process. acer shall report on how the assumptions are adding up to a consistent pathway to climate neutrality.


### 3. the entso for electricity and entso for gas shall invite the organisations representing all relevant stakeholders , including the union dso entity and all relevant hydrogen stakeholders , to participate in the scenarios development process. ### 3. in order to deliver an integrated energy system , a balanced depth of expertise across all climate neutral energy solutions , from demand through delivery to supply side , is required in the agency’s scenarios building process. the agency shall invite relevant technical expertise , including the entso for electricity and entso for gas , the union dso entity and all relevant representatives from the renewable hydrogen sector , renewable electricity industry , flexibility providers and civil society to participate in the scenarios development process. the agency shall report on how the assumptions are adding up to a consistent pathway to climate neutrality , while consulting the esabcc which is to give a binding opinion on the outcome.


### 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. the commission shall submit its opinion to the agency.


### 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 agency shall adapt its joint scenarios report , 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 opinion , in line with the commission’s opinion and submit the updated report to the commission for its approval. ### 7. the agency shall adapt its scenario report , in line with the commission’s and the esabcc’s opinion and submit the updated report to the commission for its approval.


### 8. within two weeks of the approval of the joint scenarios report by the commission in accordance with paragraph 7 , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall publish their joint scenarios report on their websites. they shall publish the corresponding input and output data in a sufficiently accurate form , taking due account of the national law and relevant confidentiality agreements. ### 8. within two weeks of the approval of the scenarios report by the commission in accordance with paragraph 7 , the agency shall publish its scenarios report on its websites. it shall publish the corresponding input and output data in a sufficiently accurate form , taking due account of the national law and relevant confidentiality agreements.


### 8. within two weeks of the approval of the joint scenarios report by the commission in accordance with paragraph 7 , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall publish their joint scenarios report on their websites. they shall publish the corresponding input and output data in a sufficiently accurate form , taking due account of the national law and relevant confidentiality agreements. ### 8. within two weeks of the approval of the joint scenarios report by the commission in accordance with paragraph 7 , the agency shall publish the scenario report on its website. it shall publish the corresponding input and output data in a sufficiently accurate form , taking due account of the national law and relevant confidentiality agreements.


### 1. the efficiently incurred investment costs , which excludes maintenance costs , related to a project of common interest falling under the categories set out in points (1)(a) , (b) , (c) and (e) of annex ii and projects of common interest falling under the category set out in point (3) of annex ii , where they fall under the competency of national regulatory authorities , shall be borne by the relevant tso or the project promoters of the transmission infrastructure of the member states which the project provides a net positive impact , and , to the extent not covered by congestion rents or other charges , be paid for by network users through tariffs for network access in that or those member states. ### 1. the efficiently incurred investment costs , which excludes maintenance costs , related to a project of common interest falling under the categories set out in points (1)(a) , (b) , (c) , (d) and (e) of annex ii and projects of common interest falling under the category set out in point (3) of annex ii and point 1 (c) of annex iv , where they fall under the competency of national regulatory authorities , shall be borne by the relevant grid operator or the project promoters of the transmission or distribution infrastructure of the member states which the project provides a net positive impact , and , to the extent not covered by congestion rents or other charges , be paid for by network users through tariffs for network access in that or those member states.


### 2. the provisions of this article shall apply to a project of common interest falling under the categories set out in points (1)(a) , (b) , (c) and (e) of annex ii where at least one project promoter requests the relevant national authorities their application for the costs of the project. they shall apply to a project of common interest falling under the category set out in point (3) of annex ii , as relevant , only where an assessment of market demand has already been carried out and indicated that the efficiently incurred investment costs cannot be expected to be covered by the tariffs. ### 2. the provisions of this article shall apply to a project of common interest falling under the categories set out in points (1)(a) , (b) , (c) , (d) and (e) of annex ii and point 1 (c) of annex iv where at least one project promoter requests the relevant national authorities their application for the costs of the project. they shall apply to a project of common interest falling under the category set out in point in point (3) of annex ii , as relevant , only where an assessment of market demand has already been carried out and indicated that the efficiently incurred investment costs cannot be expected to be covered by the tariffs.


### where a project of common interest mitigates negative externalities , such as loop flows , and that project of common interest is implemented in the member state at the origin of the negative externality , such mitigation shall not be regarded as a cross-border benefit and shall therefore not constitute a basis for allocating costs to the tso of the member states affected by those negative externalities. ### where a project of common interest mitigates negative externalities , such as loop flows , and that project of common interest is implemented in the member state at the origin of the negative externality , such mitigation shall not be regarded as a cross-border benefit and shall therefore not constitute a basis for allocating costs to the grid operators of the member states affected by those negative externalities.


### 2. in their decision granting the incentives referred to in paragraph 1 , national regulatory authorities shall consider the results of the cost-benefit analysis on the basis of the methodology drawn up pursuant to article 11 and in particular the regional or union-wide positive externalities generated by the project. the national regulatory authorities shall further analyse the specific risks incurred by the project promoters , the risk mitigation measures taken and the justification of the risk profile in view of the net positive impact provided by the project , when compared to a lower-risk alternative. eligible risks shall in particular include risks related to new transmission technologies , both onshore and offshore , risks related to under-recovery of costs and development risks. ### 2. in their decision granting the incentives referred to in paragraph 1 , national regulatory authorities shall consider the results of the cost-benefit analysis on the basis of the methodology drawn up pursuant to article 11 and in particular the regional or union-wide positive externalities generated by the project. the national regulatory authorities shall further analyse the specific risks incurred by the project promoters , the risk mitigation measures taken and the justification of the risk profile in view of the net positive impact provided by the project , when compared to a lower-risk alternative. eligible risks shall in particular include risks related to new transmission and distribution technologies , both onshore and offshore , risks related to under-recovery of costs and development risks.


### 3. the decision shall take into account the specific nature of the risk incurred and may grant incentives covering , inter alia , the following measures: ### 3. the decision granting the incentives shall take into account the specific nature of the and risk incurred by the respective project and may shall grant incentives covering , inter alia , one or more of the following measures:


### the rules for anticipatory investment; ### the rules for anticipatory investment; or


### the rules for providing additional return on the capital invested for the project; ### the rules for providing additional return on the capital invested for the project by the project promoter for the project in a certain percentage on top of the regulated rate of profitability approved according to national legislation; or


### any other measure deemed necessary and appropriate. ### the rules for recognition of costs (capex and opex) , which shall include:


### 7. where the measures referred to in paragraphs 5 and 6 are not sufficient to ensure the timely implementation of projects of common interest , the commission may issue guidelines regarding the incentives laid down in this article. ### 7. where the measures referred to in paragraphs 5 and 6 are not sufficient to ensure the timely implementation of projects of common interest , the commission may shall issue guidelines regarding the incentives laid down in this article , point 3. (c) or (d).


### (12) cross-border carbon dioxide network: development of carbon dioxide transport infrastructure between member states and with neighbouring third countries in view of the deployment of carbon dioxide capture and storage. ### deleted


### systems and components integrating ict , through operational digital platforms , control systems and sensor technologies both at transmission and medium voltage distribution level , aiming at a more efficient and intelligent electricity transmission and distribution network , increased capacity to integrate new forms of generation , storage and consumption and facilitating new business models and market structures; ### systems and components integrating ict , through operational digital platforms , control systems and sensor technologies both at transmission and medium voltage distribution level , aiming at a more efficient and intelligent electricity transmission and distribution network , increased capacity to integrate new forms of generation , storage , demand response (e.g. heat pumps and evs) and consumption and facilitating new business models and market structures;