Commission staff working document - Annex to the Report from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the implementation of the trans-european energy networks in the period 2007-2009 pursuant to Article 17 of Regulation (EC) 680/2007 and Articles 9(2) and 15 of Decision 1364/2006/EC {COM(2010)203 final}
Date: 2010-05-04
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU aid, aid system, competitiveness, economic development, energy transport, financial aid, report, trans-European network, transport network

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EUROPEAN COMMISSION 

Brussels, 4.5.2010 
SEC(2010)505 final 

COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT 

Annex to the 

REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE 
COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE 
COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TRANS-
EUROPEAN ENERGY NETWORKS IN THE PERIOD 2007-2009 

Pursuant to Article 17 of Regulation (EC) 680/2007 
and Articles 9(2) and 15 of Decision 1364/2006/EC 

{COM(2010)203 final} 

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COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT 

Annex to the 

 REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE 
COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE 
COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TRANS-
EUROPEAN ENERGY NETWORKS IN THE PERIOD 2007-2009 

Pursuant to Article 17 of Regulation (EC) 680/2007 
and Articles 9(2) and 15 of Decision 1364/2006/EC 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

1. 

2. 

Introduction.................................................................................................................. 4 

Progress made in the implementation of TEN-E projects in 2007-2009 ..................... 4 

2.1. 

Electricity network ....................................................................................................... 5 

2.1.1.  Description per priority axis......................................................................................... 6 

2.1.2. 

Impact of cross-border connections implemented in relation with security of supply21 

2.1.3. 

Impact of implemented projects in isolated regions .................................................. 22 

2.1.4. 

Impact of implemented projects on the integration of renewable energies ............... 23 

2.1.5.  Results achieved with regard to the objectives of the TEN-E policy ........................ 24 

2.2. 

Gas network ............................................................................................................... 26 

2.2.1.  Description per priority axis....................................................................................... 27 

2.2.2. 

Impact of cross-border connections implemented ..................................................... 42 

2.2.3. 

Impact of implemented projects in isolated regions .................................................. 44 

2.2.4.  Results achieved with regard to the objectives of the TEN-E policy ........................ 45 

2.3. 

Assessment on the main obstacles to projects implementation reported ................... 46 

3. 

3.1. 

3.2. 

3.3. 

3.4. 

European Union financial instruments....................................................................... 49 

European Investment Bank (EIB) loans..................................................................... 49 

TEN-E funding Programme ....................................................................................... 50 

European Economic Programme for Recovery.......................................................... 54 

Other European Union financing sources .................................................................. 55 

3.4.1.  Structural Funds ......................................................................................................... 55 

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3.4.2. 

IPA/ISPA instruments................................................................................................ 57 

3.4.3.  European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) ................................. 57 

3.4.4.  NIF / FEMIP .............................................................................................................. 59 

3.4.5.  Research and Development related Programmes....................................................... 59 

Annexes.................................................................................................................................... 62 

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1. 

INTRODUCTION 

This Commission Staff Working Document is the Annex to the Report from the Commission 
to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and 
the Committee of the Regions on the implementation of the trans-European energy networks 
in the period 2007-20091, pursuant to Article 17 of Regulation (EC) 680/2007, laying down 
general  rules  for  the  granting  of  Community  financial  aid  in  the  field  of  trans-European 
networks ("TEN Financial Regulation"), and Articles 9(2) and 15 of Decision 1364/2006/EC, 
laying down guidelines for trans-European energy networks ("TEN-E Guidelines"). 

This  Annex  provides  detailed  information  on  the  progress  made  in  the  implementation  of 
TEN-E  projects  in  the  period  2007-2009,  focusing  in  particular  on  the  implementation  of 
projects  of  European  interest  as  well  as  some  priority  projects  as  specified  in  the  TEN-E 
Guidelines.  It  includes  an  assessment  of  the  main  results  achieved  with  regard  to  the 
objectives  of  the  TEN-E  policy  and  summarises  the  main  problems  encountered  during  the 
implementation of the projects. 

In  addition,  this  Annex  provides  comprehensive  information  on  the  main  EU  financial 
instruments relevant for the implementation of TEN-E projects such as loans of the European 
Investment Bank (EIB), the TEN-E funding programme and the European Energy Programme 
for Recovery (EEPR), as well as on other EU financing sources, including Structural Funds, 
the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) and the Instrument for Structural Policies 
for  Pre-Accession  (ISPA),  and  external  policy  funding  instruments  (such  as  the  European 
Neighbourhood Policy (ENPI), the Neighbourhood Investment Facility (NIF) and the Facility 
for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership (FEMIP)). 

2. 

PROGRESS MADE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEN-E PROJECTS IN 2007-2009 

In  the  following  presentation  of  progress  made  in  the  implementation  of  TEN-E  projects  in 
2007-2009, special emphasis will be given to projects of European interest which are of cross-
border  nature  or  have  significant  impact  on  cross-border  transmission  capacity.  Details  will 
also  be  given  on  priority  projects,  i.e.  projects  with  high  European  significance  that  are 
established along the main corridors known as priority axes. Limited information will also be 
provided  on  projects  that  are  not  covered  by  the  priority  axes,  but  meet  the  EU  policy 
objectives (projects of common interest).2 

The  data  provided  herewith  takes  into  account  the  information  provided  by  Member  States 
and  project  promoters  in  the  context  of  a  survey  conducted  in  February/March  2010.  In 
addition, the information includes data provided by project promoters in the submission forms 
to TEN-E Calls for proposals, results from previous stakeholder consultation on the progress 
in implementation of TEN-E projects, and the information published by the project promoters. 

The  amounts  of  the  EEPR  and  TEN-E  grants  for  individual  projects  reflect  the  maximal 
amount of support allocated, not the real amount disbursed. 

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COM(2010)xxx 
For further details on projects classification see Decision 1364/2006/EC 

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2.1. 

Electricity network 

During  the  period  2007-2009,  some  progress  was  made  in  the  implementation  of  TEN-E 
electricity projects. 

Of 32 projects of European interest, five have been completely finalised, and for three of them 
at least one section has been completed. Compared to the status of the projects published in 
the  Priority  Interconnection  Plan  (PIP)  in  20063,  progress  has  only  been  achieved  on  two 
sections (Status  PIP: five projects finalised, one section completed). However, nine projects 
have (at least partly) entered construction phase, whereas in 2006 only one project was under 
construction. In contrast to 2006, two projects have been reconsidered. One of them is subject 
to important re-routing, one has been abandoned. 

The diagram below displays the status of the projects of European interest for electricity. 

Diagram  1  –  Progress  with  the  implementation  of  projects  of  European  interest,  electricity 
lines 

Diagram 1 - Projects of European Interest - Electricity lines - Progress in 
Implementation (March 2010)

6%

3%

3%

6%

18%

6%

13%

Study phase not yet started

Study phase

Authorisation phase

Construction phase 

Finalised

Authorisation / Construction phase

Study / Authorisation phase

Authorisation phase / Finalised

Construction phase / Finalised

16%

16%

13%

Reconsidered

The progress in implementation for each of the 32 electricity projects of European interest is 
illustrated in Figures A1-A4. 

For which concerns priority projects, nine additional projects have been finalised within the 
period  2007-2009  and  33  projects  are  currently  under  construction4.  Further  information  on 
the priority projects finalised and/or under construction is available in Table A5. 

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COM(2006)846 
The  number  of  projects  under  construction  includes  only  those  projects  for  which  feedback  was 
provided in the context of the TEN-E Survey 2010. 

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2.1.1.  Description per priority axis 

EL1 

France – Belgium – Netherlands – Germany 

Projects of European interest 

Avelin-Avelgem (FR-BE) 

The  line  Avelin  (FR)  –  Avelgem  (BE)  has  existed  since  1974.  To  increase  the  electricity 
exchange between France and Belgium, this one circuit 400 kV line has been upgraded with a 
second circuit. 

The  electricity  line  has  a  total  length  of  43  km  and  adds  about  1000-1500  MVA  additional 
capacity.  The  construction  works  were  finalised  in  2005  and  the  line  is  fully  operational. 
However, the financial and administrative closing of the project will presumably take place in 
June 2011 only. Some last works might be conducted in June 2010.  

In 2004, the project has been awarded a TEN-E grant amounting to up to EUR 1,01 million. 

Moulaine-Aubange (FR-BE) 

Further to the line Avelin (FR) – Avelgem (BR), the one circuit 225 kV line Moulaine (FR) – 
Aubange (BE) shall be upgraded by a second circuit to contribute to an increasing electricity 
exchange between France and Belgium.  

The  line  is  15  km  long  and  will  account  for  additional  400  MVA.  It  is  currently  under 
construction and is envisaged to be operational in 2010.  

The project received TEN-E co-financing of EUR 503.450 as well as an EIB loan of EUR 4,0 
million. 

Priority projects 

Within  the  category  priority  projects,  in  Belgium  the  installation  of  phase  shifters  and/or 
capacitor batteries in different locations was recently finalised. Further information on priority 
projects can be found in Table A5. 

Obstacles noticed 

PEI: none reported 

EL2 

Borders of Italy with France, Austria, Slovenia and Switzerland 

Projects of European interest 

Lienz-Cordignano (AT-IT) 

The construction of the 380 kV transmission line from Lienz (AT) – Cordignano (IT) aims at 
strengthening the interconnection between Italy and the Austrian-Slovenian corridor.  

The planned length of the line is 154 km; it is envisaged to increase transmission capacity by 
1000 MVA. The project is still in the pre-study phase and would only be operational in 2015. 

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There is an increasing sensibility of the population against the project for reasons of optical 
impact, impairments due to electro-magnetic fields, etc. A new optimised line routing might 
be necessary. 

The project received TEN-E co-financing for studies in 1995 and 2001 amounting to € 82.500 
and € 355.000 respectively. 

New interconnection between Italy and Slovakia 

It was foreseen to increase transmission capacity between Italy and Slovenia through 380 kV 
transmission  lines.  However,  this  project  was  discontinued  as  new  projects  have  been 
identified.  The  following  projects  are  currently  under  study:  Vrtojba  (SI)  –  Redipuglia  (IT) 
(110 kV), Dekani (SI) – Žavlje (IT) (110 kV), Divača (SI) – Italy (110 or 400 kV). 

The length of the transmission line Vrtojba (SI) – Redipuglia (IT) would amount to about 20 
km, adding around 500 MVA. For Dekani (SI) – Žavlje (IT) the line's length would be about 
5 km, increasing the transmission capacity by up to 1000 MVA. For the project Divača (Sl) – 
Italy data is not yet available.  

A potential date of operation has not been identified yet, neither has it been decided whether 
the  transmission  lines  will  be  cable  or  overhead  lines.  None  of  these  new  projects  has 
benefited from TEN-E grants. 

Udine-Okroglo (IT-SI) 

This  project  aims  at  strengthening  the  interconnection  on  the  Italian  North-Eastern  Boarder 
between  Italy  and  Slovenia.  This  400  kV  transmission  line  would  be  120  km  long  and  add 
about 1.500 MVA capacity. The project is still in study phase and faces an important delay of 
seven years, meaning that the operational date foreseen is now 2018. 

The  main  element  of  complexity  reported  is  the  difficult  identification  of  the  cross-border 
points  between  Italy  and  Slovenia  as  there  are  two  possible  crossing  points.  The  Italian 
crossing point is a very highly populated area, and 35% of the Slovenian territory is devoted 
to  the  Natura  2000  programme.  The  project  further  faces  strong  opposition  from  the  local 
population  due  to  electro-magnetic  fields,  optical  impacts,  etc.  It  was  also  reported  that  the 
realisation  of  the  line  depends  on  the  completion  of  the  Berecevo-Krsko  line  as  well  as  the 
enhancement of the IT grid. 

The project received TEN-E co-financing in 2004 amounting to a maximum of € 467.630. 

S. Fiorano-Nave-Gorlago (IT) 

This transmission line Fiorano – Nave – Gorlago (IT) was finalised in 2003 without delay. It 
was reported that the reconstruction of the line Fiorano – Nave was stopped because the real-
time monitoring system on the line Fiorano – Robbia improved the capacity significantly. The 
route Nave – Gorlago was rebuilt with a length of 10 km (due to an archeological site). 

No TEN-E grant has been allocated to this project. 

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Venezia Nord-Cordignano (IT) 

This project, also known as the "Trasversale Veneto", initially aimed at establishing a 380 kV 
transmission  line  between  Venezia  Nord  and  Cordignano  (IT).  However,  the  project  was 
subject  to  re-routing  as  now  it  is  planned  to  connect  Venezia  Nord  to  Volpago  (IT),  a  city 
about 40 km West of Cordignano. The line is envisaged to be of 75 km length and to add a 
capacity of about 1.000 MVA. 

The  line  was  planned  to  be  operational  in  2014.  However,  it  is  still  in  study  /  authorisation 
phase. Currently, consultations with the local authorities are ongoing. 

The project did not benefit from any TEN-E grants. 

St. Peter-Tauern (AT) 

The Salzburg connection as part of the 380 kV ring is a vital factor for the security of supply 
in  Austria,  allowing  for  the  integration  of  the  increasing  wind  energy  supply  in  Eastern 
Austria.  It  is  as  well  the  shortest  connection  to  the  pump  storage  hydro  power  plant  in 
Southern Austria and the Salzburg Alps. 

The Salzburg connection is divided in two projects: Salzburgleitung Salzach neu – St. Peter 
and Salzburgleitung Tauern – Salzach neu. 

The project Salzach neu – St. Peter is currently in authorisation / construction phase and is 
envisaged  to  be  operational  in  March  2011.  This  part  of  the  project  will  add  about  2x1.525 
MVA transmission capacity and be of 46 km length. No major difficulties have been reported. 

The project received an EIB loan (amount not communicated) as well as two TEN-E grants of 
€ 843.600 and € 1.228.200 respectively. 

However, the project Salzach neu – Tauern (Kaprun) faced major opposition from the local 
population.  Reasons  were  among  others  electro-magnetic  fields,  impact  on  the  landscape, 
environmental  concerns  (impact  on  protected  birds  and  bugs  and  forest  trees),  and  difficult 
terrain conditions. Therefore, in November 2008 a European Coordinator was designated and 
successfully  speeded  up  the  authorisation  procedure  by  bringing  all  stakeholders  involved 
together. He completed his assignment in July 2009.5 

The second part of the Salzburg connection will add a capacity of 1.800 MVA and be of about 
115 km length. It was reported that the line will be operational only in 2017.  

In 2006 this part of the project was granted € 2,66 million by TEN-E. 

Südburgenland-Kainachtal (AT)  

The so called "Steiermark connection" is, further to the Salzburg connection, also part of the 
380 kV ring which is vital for security of supply in Austria.  

5 

The final report of Mr. Adamowitsch is available under: 
http://ec.europa.eu/energy/infrastructure/tent_e/doc/salzburg/2009_07_23_abschlussbericht_final.pdf  

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This  project  was  finalised  in  November  2009  and  connects  the  Südburgenland  with  the 
Kainachtal. It increases the transmission capacity by 1.800 MVA and is of 146 km length. As 
the line is fully operational, no obstacles have been reported. 

The project received TEN-E co-financing in 2007 of € 1,46 million. 

Austria – Italy (Thaur-Brixen) interconnection through the Brenner rail tunnel 

This project relates to a new 380 kV transmission line between Italy and Austria that passes 
the Brenner rail tunnel.  

This transmission line of 57 to 65 km length would add a capacity of 2x1.000 and 2x1.500 
MVA.  Currently,  this  interconnection  is  in  study  phase  and  envisaged  to  operate  in  2020-
2025.  However,  there  are  some  obstacles  to  overcome  for  the  successful  realisation  of  the 
project.  It  was  reported  that  crossing  the  Alps  constitutes  a  major  challenge  as  well  as  the 
coordination  and  integration  with  the  railway  project  (commissioning  time,  cost  and  risk 
synergies). Further obstacles are the network rationalisation outside the tunnel, and the use of 
a new technology solution (gas insulated line). 

The project cost will amount to around € 300 million in total. It has received TEN-E funding 
in 2002 and 2005 of € 964.000 and € 449.500 respectively. 

Priority projects 

Further priority projects along EL2 were reported to be recently finalised: 

•  The line Rizziconi (IT) - Feroleto (IT) - Laino (IT) was completed in 2005. 

•  The Turbigo (IT) - Rho (IT) - Bovisio (IT) line was finalised in 2006. 

•  Italian-Swiss  border:  The  line  San  Fiorano  (IT)  -  Robbia  (CH)  was  finalised  in  2006, 

adding 1.400 MVA transmission capacity. 

Further information on priority projects can be found in Table A5. 

Obstacles noticed 

- Crossing of densely populated areas and natural barriers 

- Coordination with other ongoing projects 

- Delay due to the use of new technology solutions  

- Environmental constraints (e.g. due to Natura 2000) 

- Seasonal constraints 

- Opposition of local population due to fear of electro-magnetic fields and optical impact 

EL3 

France – Spain – Portugal 

Projects of European interest 

Valdigem - Douro Internacional (PT) – Aldeadavila (ES) line  

The project is divided into four parts: 

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Part  A:  Extension  of  the  400  kV  from  Valdigem  towards  the  littoral:  upgrade  of  the 
Valdigem – Vermoim 1 overhead line to 400 kV (which is temporarily working at 400 kV). 
These works were finalised in August 2008. 

Part  B:  Reinforcements  of  the  overhead  lines  in  the  Douro  Internacional  area  and  of  the 
interconnection  between  the  Spanish  substation  of  Aldeadavila  and  the  Portuguese 
transmission  network  in  the  Douro  Internacional;  Reinforcements  of  the  220  kV  overhead 
lines near Douro Internacional and Douro Internacional Substation (renamed Lagoaça). 

Part C: Extension of the 400 kV to the Douro Internacional region: overhead lines Armamar 
(former Valdigem 2 initial Substation) and Lagoaça. The voltage increase of the Armamar – 
Lagoaça overhead lines from 220 kV to 400 kV implies the same upgrade in the section of the 
Pocinho  –  Armamar  overhead  lines  as  well  as  a  new  segment  to  be  removed  from  the 
connection  at  Pocinho  and  be  connected  to  Lagoaça.  It  further  was  necessary  to  change  the 
route of two 220 kV overhead lines (Picote – Pocinho and Bemposta – Pocinho) as they cross 
the new urban area of Torre de Moncorvo. Some deviations were also necessary in the section 
between the Pocinho and Armamar substations.  

Part D: Extension of the 400 kV overhead line to Recarei: Armamar – Recarei. This overhead 
line  includes  two  new  sections,  one  to  connect  to  the  Recarei  substation  and  another  to 
connect  to  the  new  Armamar  substation.  In  the  middlesection  one  of  the  circuits  of  the 
Valdigem – Vermoim 4/5 overhead line will be used (Part A).  

It was reported that most parts of the project are still under construction and expected to be 
completed  in  December  2010.  The  project  will  add  an  additional  capacity  of  about  3.210 
MVA and be of 204 km length. The main elements of complexity of the project reported were 
technical constraints, local Natura 2000 sites in the cross-border point area, and local political 
concerns. 

The project has been allocated a TEN-E grant of € 1.8 million at maximum as well as EEPR 
funding of up to € 50 million. 

Sentmenat (ES) – Bescano (ES) – Baixas (FR) line 

This  Project  of  European  Interest  aimed  at  the  construction  of  the  Trans-Pyrenean 
interconnection  Sentmenat  (ES)  –  Bescano  (ES)  –  Baixas  (FR),  contributing  to  security  of 
supply, reliability of networks and an increased exchange of energy as well as the integration 
of renewables in the region. 

However, there was major opposition from the local population (mainly in France), especially 
regarding the interconnection between Bescano and Baixas, and the project was suspended.  

Therefore,  both  Head  of  States  pointed  out  the  necessity  of  EU  intervention  through  the 
appointment of a European Coordinator.6 After a successful completion of his mission in June 
2009,  a  new  interconnection  was  proposed,  now  connecting  Baixas  to  Santa  Llogaia  by  a 
subterranean cable that would follow a terrestrial path based on current infrastructures. 

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http://ec.europa.eu/energy/infrastructure/tent_e/coordinators_en.htm 

reports 

Monti 

Mr. 

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available 

under: 

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The  project  Baixas  –  Santa  Llogaia  which  is  of  50  to  65  km  length  is  now  in  authorisation 
phase and envisaged to be operational in 2014. 

In 2008, TEN-E funding amounting to € 882.750 was allocated to the project, and in 2009 a 
substantial amount of EU funding under the EEPR of up to € 225 million was awarded. 

The project on the Spanish side aiming at linking the cities Sentmenat and Bescano through 
the city Vic is currently under construction and will be operational in 2010. 

Priority projects 

A number of projects in Portugal and Spain were recently finalised, amongst which: 

•  On the Mediterranean axis  of Spain the  new connection Nueva Escombreras - El Palmar 

was completed in 2007 

•  The Project Pego (PT) - Batalha (PT) line and Batalha facilities in Portugal was finalised in 

2006 

•  The Portuguese line Valdigem (PT) - Viseu (PT) - Anadia (PT) was finalised in 2006. 

Further information on priority projects can be found in Table A5. 

Obstacles noticed 

- Opposition from the local population 

- Crossing of natural protected areas (e.g. Natura 2000 sites) 

- Local political concerns 

EL4  Greece – Balkan countries – UCTE System 

Projects of European interest 

Philippi (EL) – Hamitabat (TR) line 

The project aims at strengthening the capacity of the "Mediterranean electricity ring" and is 
an  important  factor  for  the  synchronisation  of  the  Turkish  power  system  with  the  UCTE 
system.  

The 400 kV transmission line adds about 2x1.400 and 1x1.200 MVA on the Greek side and is 
of about 220 km length. It was reported that the project is finalised and fully operational since 
2008.  However,  as  now  the  line  commences  in  Babaeski  on  the  Turkish  side  instead  of 
Hamitabat,  the  line  is  now  shorter  and  connects  Babaeski  (TR)  and  Philippi  (EL).  No 
obstacles were reported. 

The project was awarded TEN-E grants in 1999 and 2000, amounting to a total amount of € 
545.000. 

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Priority projects 

Priority projects recently finalised along EL4 include: 

•  Thessaloniki (EL), Lamia (EL) and Patras (EL) substations and connecting lines, finalised 

in 2008 

•  Connection  of  the  regions  of  Evia  (EL),  Lakonia  (EL)  and  Thrace  (EL),  particularly  the 
expansion of the 400 kV system to the area of Thrace with the construction of the 400 kV 
OHL (double circuit) Filippoi – N. Santa and the 400 kV OHL connection the systems of 
Greece and Turkey as well as the 150 kV OHL (double circuit) Molai - Astros in the area 
of Lakonia 

•  Strengthening of existing connections of the peripherical regions in the mainland in Greece 
- Enhancement of the connection of the island of Corfu to the mainland, completed in 2007 

•  Meliti (EL) - Bitola (Former Yugoslav Republic Of Macedonia) line, completed in 2007 

•  New  connections  between  Greece  and  Albania,  Bulgaria  and  the  Former  Yugoslav 
Republic  of  Macedonia,  namely  the  OHL  Stip  –  C.  Mogila  (FYROM  –  Bulgaria), 
completed in 2009. 

Further information on priority projects can be found in Table A5. 

Obstacles noticed: 

None reported 

EL5 

UK – Continental Europe and Northern Europe 

Projects of European interest 

Undersea cable to link England (UK) and the Netherlands 

The project will link the Isle of Grain in Kent (UK) to the city of Maasvlakte (NL) by means 
of  a  bi-pole  high  voltage  direct  current  (HVDC)  interconnector  with  a  pair  of  high  voltage 
electricity cables bundled together and buried at least a metre below the bottom of the North 
Sea. It will increase both countries' transmission capacities and enable the development and 
connection of renewable energy sources as well as the integration of remote areas. 

The  cable  will  be  of  260  km  length  and  add  about  1.000  MVA  transmission  capacity.  It  is 
currently under construction and is envisaged to be fully operational in April 2010. The main 
elements  of  complexity  of  the  project  are  technical  constraints,  commercial  and  regulatory 
complexities, as well as difficulties in cross-border cooperation. 

The  project  has  received  TEN-E  funding  from  1996  until  2009:  a  total  amount  of  up  to  € 
10,75 million has been awarded during this period. 

Priority projects 

No project along priority EL5 has been reported to be recently finalised or under construction.  

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Obstacles noticed 

- Technical constraints 

- Commercial and regulatory complexities 

- Difficulties in cross-border cooperation 

EL6 

Ireland - UK 

Projects of European interest 

Interconnection Ireland – United Kingdom (Wales) 

The East-West Interconnector includes two separate projects. 

Project 1: The East-West Interconnector project undertaken by National Grid plc (NIE) and 
Electricity Supply Board (ESB) will connect the Irish power system to the electricity grid in 
Britain  through  undersea  and  underground  cables.  Connection  points  would  be  Meath  (IE) 
and Deeside (UK-Wales). 

The  connection  would  be  of  256  km  length  and  add  256  MVA  transmission  capacity.  The 
project  is  currently  in  the  authorisation  phase,  however,  construction  works  are  planned  to 
begin in mid-2010. Contracts for the construction works have already been signed. According 
to the project promoter the works shall be finalised in October 2012. 

The  main  elements  of  complexity  reported  were  finance  /  credit  constraints,  technological 
difficulties,  permits  and  planning  issues,  non-existence  of  long-run  contracts,  and  seasonal 
restrictions on marine activity. 

The  project  has  received  TEN-E  grants  amounting  to  up  to  €  2,96  million  as  well  as  €  110 
million EEPR funding and an EIB loan of € 300 million.  

Project 2: Another East-West interconnector project undertaken by Imera Power will connect 
Arklow substation in Co. Wicklow and Pentir Substation in North Wales. 

The HVDC cable would be of 135 km length add a transmission capacity of 370 MVA. The 
project is currently in authorisation phase and expected to be finalised in 2013. Elements of 
complexity reported were the same as for the above East-West interconnector. 

Until today, no EU funding has been allocated to this project. 

Priority projects 

No project along priority EL6 has been reported to be recently finalised or under construction.  

Obstacles noticed 

- Financial difficulties due to lack of credits 

- Technical constraints 

- Difficulties in authorisation procedure (permits, planning issues) 

- Seasonal restrictions on marine activities 

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EL7 

Denmark  –  Germany  –  Baltic  ring  (including  Norway  –  Sweden  –  Finland 
Denmark – Germany – Poland – Baltic States – Russia) 

Projects of European interest 

Kassø-Hamburg/Dollern (DK-DE) 

The 380 kV transmission line connecting the cities Kassø (DK) and Hamburg/Dollern (DE) 
aims at optimising the transfer of the increasing amount of wind energy produced in Northern 
Germany and Denmark as well as in the Baltic and North Sea through the offshore windparks. 

The  connection  would  be  215  km  long  and  could  add  about  2.500  MVA  transmission 
capacity. It was reported that the studies are finalised and the project is now in authorisation 
phase. The investment is expected to be carried out between 2016 and 2018. The line would 
thus be fully operational in 2018. 

Main  elements  of  complexity  of  the  project  relate  to  the  fact  that  the  line  passes  a  densely 
populated area with numerous land owners. Further, the timing depends on the dynamics of 
the wind farm installation onshore and offshore with a connection to the grid in Schleswig-
Holstein  as  well  as  on  the  development  of  grid  integration  of  new  power  plants  in  the 
Northern part of the E.ON Netz control zone. 

The project has benefited from a TEN-E grant amounting to up to € 150.000 in 1999. 

Hamburg/Krümmel-Schwerin (DE) 

This  project  aims  at  the  construction  of  a  380  kV  transmission  line  connecting  Hamburg  / 
Krümmel to Schwerin / Goerries in the Northern part of Germany. 

The line will be about 90 km long and add about 2x1.800 MVA transmission capacity. The 
line is currently in the authorisation / construction phase and will be operational in December 
2010.  A  delay  of  one  year  was  reported  due  to  additional  information  requests  from  the 
responsible  authorities  in  Mecklenburg-Western  Pomerania  and  Schleswig-Holstein  on  the 
impact of the overhead line on nature and landscape. 

The  main  elements  of  complexity  of  the  project  that  were  reported  are  a  strong  opposition 
from  the  local  population  due  to  the  following  reasons:  fear  of  electro-magnetic  fields, 
deterioration of the landscape. Time consuming public consultation procedures, the necessary 
integration  of  numerous  stakeholders,  as  well  as  special  requirements  on  detailed 
documentation  by  the  state  authority  in  Schleswig-Holstein  have  slowed  down  the 
authorisation process. 

The project has not received any TEN-E funding. 

Kassø-Revsing-Tjele (DK) 

The  scope  of  the  project  is  the  construction  of  a  new  400  kV  double  system  overhead  line 
from  Kassø  (close  to  the  German  border)  to  the  substation  Tjele  (Jutland)  (DK).  The  new 
double  overhead  line  will  replace  the  old  single  overhead  line.  In  addition,  three  existing 
substations  (Kasso,  Askaer  and  Tjele)  will  be  extended  with  extra  fields,  and  one  new 
substation (Revsing) will be built.  

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This  new  transmission  line  will  strengthen  the  overall  transmission  network  to  be  able  to 
transmit  power  from  offshore  windfarms  to  the  overall  grid  and  to  connect  the  continental 
grid with the Nordic grid. The project is envisaged to add 2.000 MVA transmission capacity 
with a length of around 180 km. Currently, the project is in authorisation phase and will be 
operational in December 2014. 

A TEN-E grant of about € 1,5 million has been allocated to the project in 2009. 

Vester Hassing-Trige (DK) 

This project aims at connecting the cities Vester Hassing and Trige (DK) through a 400 kV 
transmission  line  which  would  add  about  900  MVA  additional  capacity  and  be  of  114  km 
length. 

The  line  is  currently  under  construction  and  envisaged  to  be  finalised  in  2014.  Major 
complexities of the project are opposition from land owners as well as a lengthy restructuring 
period  of  authorities.  Further,  the  project  depends  on  other  projects,  especially  between 
Denmark and Germany (e.g. Kassø – Hamburg / Dollern and Skagerrak IV) and the allocation 
of the wind power. 

The project has not benefited from TEN-E funding. 

Upgrading of connections between Denmark and Norway – Skagerrak 4 (DK-NO) 

The interconnections Skagerrak 1-3 have been in operation for many years (built 1975, 1976, 
1993). However, due to congestions there is a need for a new HVDC interconnection between 
Norway and Denmark: Skagerrak 4. 

Overall  objective  of  the  project  is  to  strengthen  the  transmission  network  to  be  able  to 
transmit  power  from  offshore  windfarms  to  the  overall  grid  and  to  connect  the  continental 
grid  with  the  Nordic  grid.  The  HVDC  interconnection  will  either  be  a  conventional  Line 
Source  Converter  (LCC)  or  a  new  type  of  converter  type:  Voltage  Source  Converter  (VSC) 
used  only  for  one  DC  cable  and  in  bipole  operation  with  Skagerrak  3.  From  the  HVDC 
substation  in  Tjele  in  Jutland  (DK)  to  the  Danish  coast  there  will  be  an  underground  cable. 
From this point a submarine cable to the Norwegian coast will be constructed, followed by an 
overhead HVDC line to the HVDC substation in Kristianssand (NO). 

The cable is envisaged to add about 700 MVA and be of 260 km length. Currently, the project 
is  under  construction.  It  was  reported  that  it  will  be  finalised  in  November  2014.  Major 
complexities of the project reported are difficult terrain conditions for cable landing (subsea), 
technical constraints and the need to investigate innovative technology solutions. 

The project was awarded a TEN-E grant in 2009, amounting to up to € 856.000. 

Elk-Alytus link (PL-LT) 

The  project's  overall  objective  is  to  increase  the  security  of  supply  and  reliability  on  both 
sides  of  the  line,  create  a  connection  between  the  energy  systems  of  the  Baltic  States  and 
foster the process of creating a true energy market in the region. 

The  scope  of  the  project  covers  the  double  circuit  400  kV  overhead  line  Alytus  - 
Lithuania/Poland  border  (Elk  direction)  and  the  expansion  of  the  330  kV  switchyard  at  the 

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Alytus substation for the connection of the 330 kV line Kruonis PSPP – Alytus, of the B2B 
converter station and the new 400 kV switchyard to connect the B2B and 400 kV line Elk – 
Alytus. 

The line will add a transmission capacity of about 1.000 MVA and be of about 155 km length. 
Successfully assisted by a European Coordinator, after long discussions the involved parties 
entered the project agreement through a joint venture company (LitPol Link). The project is 
currently in study phase and not expected to be finalised before 2015 / 2020. Major elements 
of  complexity  of  the  project  are  a  high  population  density  in  some  of  the  areas  (property 
rights),  technical  constraints,  as  well  as  the  crossing  of  natural  protected  areas.  Further, 
additional reinforcements in the Polish internal grid are necessary before the interconnection 
can be realised.7 

The project has been allocated TEN-E funding in 2008 and 2009, amounting to a total of up to 
€ 4,23 million. 

Estlink (EE-FI) 

Estlink is the first interconnection between Estonia and Finland, aiming at the integration of 
the  future  power  market  of  the  Baltic  Member  States  and  increasing  the  reliability  of  the 
Baltic power systems, while decreasing their dependency on Russian power supply. 

Estlink consists of two separate projects: Estlink 1 and Estlink 2. 

Estlink 1 is of 105 km length and connects the substations in Harku (EE) and Espoo (FI). The 
project  was  already  finalised  in  2006,  adding  a  transmission  capacity  of  350  MVA.  The 
project received TEN-E funding of € 670.000. 

Estlink  2  is  planned  as  the  second  direct  current  interconnection  between  Finland  and 
Estonia, adding another 650 MVA. The line will be of 165 to 170 km length, connecting the 
substations Anttila (FI) and Püssi (EE).  

Estlink 2 is currently in the authorisation phase. The line is expected to be finalised in August 
2014. 

In 2010 it has been awarded substantial funding of up to € 100 million in the framework of 
the European Economic Recovery Plan (EEPR). 

Fennoscan (FI-SE) 

The Fennoscan (2) project aims at the construction of a submarine cable between Finland and 
Sweden.  

The  500  MW  Fennoscan  1  link  was  already  commissioned  in  1989,  adding  500  MVA 
transmission capacity. It connects the shore in Finland south of the town of Rauma, which is 
connected with the Rauma converter station by a 33 km long overhead line, with Dannebo, 
the Swedish converter station located at the Swedish East coast.  

7 

More  information  on  the  project  may  be  retrieved  from  the  reports  of  the  European  Coordinators: 
http://ec.europa.eu/energy/infrastructure/tent_e/coordinators_en.htm 

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The Fennoscan 2 link will add another 800 MW, thus strengthening the Nordic power grid, 
enhancing the capacity for power trading and improving the security of supply in the region. 
In parallel with the delivery of Fennoscan 2, the control system of the original Fennoscan link 
will be upgraded.  

Fennoscan  2  is  of  300  km  length  and  connects  the  shore  in  Finland  (as  does  Fennoscan  1) 
with Finnböle, a Swedish converter station located further inland. A 70 km DC overhead line 
connects the station to the submarine cable. Fennoscan 2 is currently under construction and 
envisaged to be finalised in 2011. A one year delay was reported due to delays experienced by 
the  cable  suppliers  who  were  not  able  to  deliver  the  cables  according  to  the  original  time 
schedule.  Further  complexities  with  regard  to  a  lengthy  authorisation  process,  the  need  of 
environmental permits and Swedish water rights were reported. 

The  project  has  received  substantial  TEN-E  funding  in  the  years  1995,  2000  and  2006, 
amounting to a total of up to € 745.750.  

Halle/Saale-Schweinfurt (DE) 

The overall aim of the project is to improve the transmission capacity along the North-South 
corridor in Germany and allow for the transportation of the increasing amount of renewable 
energy from surplus areas in the north to consumer areas in the south-west. The project, once 
in  operation,  will  provide  relief  to  existing  parallel  transmission  lines.  In  total,  the  line  will 
add about 2x2.400 MVA and be of 205 km length.  

The project is divided into five separate sections.  

Section  1  Halle  Lauchstädt  to  Erfurt  Vieselbach  (Thuringia):  This  part  of  the  project  is  of 
about 70 km length and was already completed in 2008. It has been in operation since then. 

Section 2 Erfurt Vieselbach to Altenfeld (Thuringia): The second part is 60 km long and is 
currently in the authorisation phase. The approval for construction and operation is expected 
for June 2010 and the line shall be fully operational in 2011.  

A  delay  of  one  year  was  reported  which  is  mainly  based  on  the  longer  lasting  regional 
planning procedure (10 months instead of six), the request of authorities to modify the routing 
due  to  local  concerns  and  a  higher  consideration  of  measures  to  compensate  the  impact  on 
nature during the ongoing approval procedure (extra time needed appr. eight months). 

Section  3  Altenfeld  to  borderline  Thuringia  /  Bavaria:  This  part  of  the  line  is  currently  in 
authorisation phase and  subject  to regional  planning  procedures. The operation date for this 
subsection is scheduled for end 2012. It was reported that the project faced a serious delay of 
three  years.  Since  2006  the  project  is  heavily  opposed  by  local  stakeholders,  citizen  groups 
and some political stakeholders and parties. Main reason for this is the necessity of building a 
new  overhead  line  and  the  environmental  impact  on  the  natural  resort  Thuringia  Forest. 
However,  discussions  with  stakeholders  are  ongoing  and  efforts  are  being  made  to  include 
viable  technical  alternatives  (overhead  lines  on  short  towers  and  partly  buried  power  cable 
sections). 

Section 4 borderline Thuringia / Bavaria to Redwitz (30 km, Bavaria) and Section 5 upgrade 
(voltage conversion) of existing line Redwitz to Schweinfurt Grafenrheinfeld are currently in 
the authorisation phase. They are envisaged to be finalised in 2013.  

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The project was awarded substantial EU funding. In 2007, a TEN-E grant of € 290.000 was 
awarded.  In  the  framework  of  the  European  Economic  Recovery  Program,  the  project  will 
receive a grant of up to € 100 million. 

Priority projects 

Recently  finalised  priority  projects  along  EL7  include  reinforcements  of  the  connections 
between Denmark and Sweden. Further information on priority projects can be found in Table 
A5. 

Obstacles noticed 

- Time consuming authorisation and permit procedures  

- Crossing of densely populated areas with numerous land owners 

- Crossing of natural protected areas and natural barriers 

- Dependence on other projects 

- Difficulties due to weather conditions 

- Difficulties in public procurement due to parallel planning processes in two countries 

- General economic situation: credit constraints 

- Opposition from local population: Fear of electro-magnetic fields, impact on landscape, no 
perception of supra-regional or European perspectives 

- Technical constraints 

EL8  Germany – Poland – Czech Repubic – Slovakia – Austria – Hungary – Slovenia  

Projects of European interest 

Neuenhagen-Vierraden-Krajnik (DE-PL) 

The  scope  of  this  project  is  to  build  a  transmission  line  to  connect  Germany  and  Poland, 
including the upgrading of the Polish grid. The line will be of approximately 125 km length. 
One  important  objective  is  related  to  the  transport  of  offshore  wind  energy  through  the 
transmission system of the North and Baltic Sea area. 

The project is currently in study / authorisation phase and expected to be operational in 2015. 

As for the complexity of the project it was reported that the legal framework in Germany does 
not allow for expropriations which would be necessary to implement the project as foreseen. 
Further,  concerns  are  prevailing  that  pertain  to  the  environmental  protection,  the  routing 
through a natural reserve, the deterioration of the landscape and the fear of electro-magnetic 
fields. 

The project was allocated TEN-E funding of EUR 283.000 in 2005. 

New interconnection between Germany and Poland (including upgrading of the Polish grid 
according to connection as in the Vierraden (DE) – Krajnik (PL) project) 

The  link  is  in  the  study  phase  and  is  scheduled  to  be  operational  after  2015.  No  further 
information was reported. 

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Dürnrohr-Slavetice (AT-CZ) 

The  establishment  of  a  second  system  on  the  Dürnrohr  (AT)  –  Slavetice  (CZ)  380  kV 
interconnection between Austria and the Czech Republic aims at easing the congestion on the 
lines.  These  are  to  great  extent  due  to  the  increased  amount  of  wind  energy  in  Northern 
Europe.  

The  line  is  of  96  km  length  and  adds  a  capacity  of  900  MVA.  The  project  was  finalised  in 
2008 and is now in operation.  

No EU funding has been allocated to the project. 

Vel'ky Kapusany – Lemesany – Moldava – Sajoivanka (SK) 

The project originally aimed at establishing a transmission line between the Slovakian cities 
Vel'ky Kapusany, Lemesany and Moldava, and interconnecting Moldava with the Hungarian 
city Sajoivanka.  

In  the  section  Lemesany  –  Vel'ky  Kapusany,  a  400  kV  new  AC  line  is  envisaged  to  add 
2x1.385  MVA  transmission  capacity,  having  a  length  of  110  km.  It  is  currently  under 
construction and envisaged to be finalised in June 2017. 

This part of the project was awarded TEN-E funding in 2008, amounting to up to € 210.000. 

The section Lemesany – Moldava, a double circuit line of 400 kV, will add 2x1.662 MVA 
transmission capacity and be of 43 km length.  

The first part of the section envisages the construction of a 2x400 kV line from Moldava to 
Košice.  This  part  of  the  project  was  already  finalised.  The  second  phase  includes  the 
establishment of a 2x400 kV line from the switching substation Košice to Lemešany. It is still 
under construction and the line is expected to be operational in October 2011. No delay has 
been reported and no major problems have been encountered so far.  

The project has been awarded a TEN-E grant of € 1,4 million in 2009. 

However,  particular  attention  should  be  drawn  to  the  section  originally  envisaged  to 
interconnect Slovakia and Hungary, Moldava (SK) – Sajoivanka (HU). The construction of 
this  section  was  abandoned.  It  was  reported  that  due  to  environmental  problems  on  the 
Hungarian side the project was not feasible.  

A  new  interconnection  between  Sajóivánka  (HU)  and  Rimavská  Sobota  (SK)  is  now 
envisaged.  

Gabcikovo – Vel'ky Dur (SK) 

The domestic 400 kV new AC tin line would connect the Slovakian cities Gabcikovo-Vel'ky 
Dur at the Hungarian border. It would add 2x1.385 MVA and be of 93 km length. 

The  project  is  currently  in  the  authorisation  phase.  Although  no  major  problems  have  been 
encountered  and  the  environmental  impact  assessment  was  successfully  accomplished,  the 
realisation  of  the  project  might  be  postponed  for  approximately  a  decade  as  the  project  is 

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associated with other investments in the Slovak transmission grid. The envisaged operational 
date would thus be only 2022. 

Stupava – South-East Vienna (SK-AT) 

The  agreement  on  this  project,  interconnecting  the  Slovak  Republic  and  Austria,  was 
originally signed in 1993.  

However, due to major obstacles encountered on the Austrian side, the project has now been 
abandoned.  Reasons  reported  were  local  opposition  due  to  protected  areas  and  wildlife  and 
fear  of  electro-magnetic  fields.  Especially  important  was  the  high  number  of  lines  in  the 
region of Vienna, such that priority was given to other projects. Further it was reported that 
the permits issued more than ten years ago have now lost their validity. 

Priority projects 

Priority projects that were recently finalised along EL8 include the following lines: 

•  New  interconnection  between  Slovenia  and  Hungary:  Cirkovce  (SI)  –  Hévíz  (HU); 

completion was attained at the Hungarian side 

•  Ostrów (PL) - Trębaczew (Rogowiec) (PL), completed in 2008 

•  Tarnów (PL) - Krosno (PL), completed in 2006 

Further information on priority projects can be found in Table A5. 

Obstacles noticed 

- Environmental difficulties 

- Dependance on other projects 

- Opposition from local population: fear of electro-magnetic fields 

- Crossing of protected natural areas and wildlife 

- Financial difficulties 

- Negotiations with land owners; legal framework: no right of expropriation 

- Authorisation procedures 

EL9  Mediterranean MS – Mediterranean electricity ring 

Projects of European interest 

Electricity connection to link Tunisia and Italy 

In 2009 an agreement between Tunisia and Italy was signed to conduct feasibility studies on 
an electricity interconnection between the two countries. Aim of the project is to improve the 
reliability  of  the  regional  electricity  systems,  to  create  a  regional  electricity  market  and  to 
transport especially the renewable energy envisaged to be generated according to the Tunisian 
solar plan.  

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The  project  includes  an  under-water  cable  with  a  capacity  of  1.000  MW.  In  total,  the  cable 
would have a length of 350 km. At the moment, the project is in authorisation phase and is 
envisaged to be realised in 2015. 

It  was  reported  that  there  is  a  need  of  increased  investments  on  the  HV  grid  in  Sicily  and 
Calabria Regions as well as a need to increase generation capacity in Tunisia. At this aim, a 
generation project called “ELMED” (1.200 MW) based on a mix between conventional and 
RES, will be realised.  

Priority projects: 

Along EL9, the following priority project was reported to be finalised in 2006: The submarine 
cable  between  South  Spain  and  Morocco  (strengthening  of  existing  connection  Estrecho-
Melloussa II). Further information on priority projects can be found in Table A5. 

Obstacles noticed 

- Uncertainty of the financial results / energy  

2.1.2. 

Impact  of  the  implemented  cross-border  connections  in  relation  with  security  of 
supply 

During  the  past  years,  substantial  progress  has  been  made  to  build  new  or  upgrade  existing 
interconnections  to  increase  transmission  capacity  between  the  Member  States.  These 
developments allowed for an increased energy exchange and more competition, contributing 
to the convergence of average energy prices and stimulating market integration and thus the 
development  of  a  true  internal  energy  market.  They  also  contributed  to  the  alleviation  of 
serious congestion some transmission pathways faced. 

Although a number of projects faced implementation difficulties, eleven cross-border projects 
have  been  finalised  since  2005,  and  18  cross-border  projects  are  currently  (at  least  partly) 
under  construction  (displayed  in  Table  A7  in  the  Annex).  For  17  of  these  projects, 
implementation has been accelerated by TEN-E or EEPR funding.  

Along the priority  axis EL1  (France – Belgium – Netherlands – Germany), an important 
project finalised in 2005 to increase of the transmission capacity between Belgium and France 
was the 'Avelin (FR) - Avelgem (BE)' line. This project added about 1000 to 1500 additional 
MVA.  Another  project,  the  line  'Moulaine  (FR)  -  Aubange  (BE)',  is  currently  under 
construction  and  envisaged  to  add  about  400  MVA  transfer  capacity  when  operational  this 
year (2010). 

Also  the  interconnections  of  Italy  with  its  border  states  (EL2)  have  been  subject  to 
important  progress.  The  Project  of  European  Interest  'San  Fiorano  (IT)  -  Robbia  (CH)'  was 
finalised in 2005, adding 1400 MVA to the transmission capacity. Further important projects 
to connect Italy and Slovenia (construction of a phase shifter in the Divaca substation), adding 
2x600 MVA transmission capacity, as well as at the Italian-French Border, adding 600 MVA 
transmission capacity, are currently under construction and will be operational in 2012. 

EL3  (France  –  Spain  –  Portugal):  Substantial  development  is  expected  this  year  at  the 
French  –  Spanish  border.  The  Project  of  European  Interest  Valdigem  (PT)  -  Douro 
Internacional (PT) - Aldeadavila (ES) and the upgrading of the 'Douro Internacional' facilities 
is envisaged to be finalised in December 2010. Transfer capacity will be increased by 3.210 

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MVA.  Another  project  to  be  mentioned  is  the  connection  between  Southern  Portugal  and 
South-Western  Spain  (Portimão  (PT)  -  Tavira  (PT)  -  P.  Gusman  (ES)  -  Guillena  (ES)  line) 
which  is  under  construction  and  expected  to  be  operational  in  2011.  This  line  would  add 
another 1.860 MVA to the countries' transmission capacity. 

A  number  of  interconnectors  linking  Greece  and  the  Balkan  countries  (EL4)  have  been 
finalised  recently.  One  of  the  most  prominent  ones  to  mention  is  the  Project  of  European 
Interest  'Philippi  (EL)  –  Hamitabad  (GR)'  which  due  to  a  re-routing  now  ends  in  Babaeski 
(GR). This line, finalised in 2008, adds 2x1.400 and 1x1.200 MVA transmission capacity. 

Substantial  progress  is  also  expected  along  priority  axis  EL5  (United  Kingdom  – 
Continental  Europe  and  Northern  Europe):  The  finalisation  of  the  'Netherlands  –  UK 
Interconnector Project (BritNed cable)' linking the Isle of Grain in Kent (UK) and Maasvlakte 
(NL)  is  expected  in  April  2011,  adding  1.000  MVA  transmission  capacity  between  the  two 
countries. However, no other projects in this region have reached construction status yet. 

Concerning the interconnection between Ireland and the UK (EL6) a number of projects has 
been initiated.  However, none of them has yet reached construction status.  Nonetheless one 
important  project  to  point  out  is  the  Project  of  European  Interest  'Submarine  cable  Ireland-
Wales  (UK)',  also  known  as  the  East-West  Interconnector.  It  is  expected  to  add  520  MVA 
transmission  capacity  and  is  currently  in  the  authorisation  phase.  However,  construction 
works are planned to begin in mid-2010 and shall be finalised in 2012. 

Along the priority axis Denmark – Germany – Baltic Ring (EL7), out of a number of cross-
border  projects  only  one  has  been  finalised:  'Estlink',  interconnecting  Finland  and  Estonia, 
was  commissioned  in  2006,  adding  450  MVA  transmission  capacity.  A  second  circuit, 
'Estlink 2', is currently in authorisation phase and will add another 650 MVA. 

Substantial development was reported regarding the interconnection at the Austrian – Czech 
border (part of EL8 Germany – Poland – Czech Republic – Slovakia – Austria –Hungary 
–  Slovenia).  The  interconnection  'Dürnrohr  (AT)  -  Slavetice  (CZ)',  a  Project  of  European 
Interest, was completed in 2008, adding 900 MVA transmission capacity. 

In the Mediterranean Member States (EL9), a submarine  cable between South Spain and 
Morocco (strengthening of existing connection) has been commissioned in 2006 and further 
new connections in the Mediterranean Electricity Ring were finalised in 2009. However, no 
data is available on the net transfer capacity increase. 

These  additional  lines  increase  the  electricity  exchange  of  the  countries  concerned 
significantly. 

2.1.3. 

Impact of implemented projects in isolated regions 

Some progress was made to facilitate the integration of less-favoured and island regions. Out 
of the nine projects identified in the list of Priority Projects in isolated regions (see Annex III 
of the TEN-E Guidelines), more than half is under construction. However, most of them face 
substantial delays, and none of them has been commissioned yet. One is still under study. For 
the remaining no information has been provided. 

Substantial progress has been reported in the UK (Wales) and Ireland region. For the East-
West Interconnector project connecting the Irish electricity grid (connection point Meath) to 
Wales  (connection  point  Deeside)  through  undersea  and  underground  cables,  construction 

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works are envisaged to start in mid-2010. Contracts for construction works have already been 
signed,  and  the  line  of  256  km  is  envisaged  to  be  finalised  in  October  2012.  Transmission 
capacity between the two regions will increase by 256 MVA. Another undertaking for an IE-
Wales  Interconnector  project  is  currently  planned  and  has  reached  authorisation  stage. 
Interconnection points here are Co. Wicklow and North Wales. Transmission capacity would 
be increased by another 370 MVA; construction works are expected to be finalised in 2013. 

Important developments were further reported regarding the Spanish islands interconnection 
projects,  such  as  the  Spanish  Southern  Cyclades  to  the  Spanish  interconnected  system.  The 
project has recently entered construction phase. However, the project faces a delay of 10 years 
and the line will be commissioned in 2014. Reason for this delay is a State Council decision 
to abandon the original project plan as there was local opposition concerning the installation 
of overhead lines. Progress has also been reported on the new connections in the Balearic and 
Canary  Islands  (ES).  The  electrical  connection  by  a  submarine  cable  between  the  Balearic 
Islands  and  the  Spanish  mainland  network  is  in  construction  phase  and  envisaged  to  be 
operational by November 2011. The submarine interconnection between the Balearic Islands 
Mallorca-Elvissa  as  well  as  the  Majorca  –  Ibiza  –  Formentera  power  systems  submarine 
interconnection are still in study phase, the former envisaged to be operational in 2015. 

Concerning the Italian islands, the doubling of the connection Sorgente (IT) – Rizziconi to 
connect  Sicily  (IT)  to  the  Italian  mainland,  adding  2.000  MVA  transmission  capacity,  is 
currently  under  construction.  However,  due  to  the  technical  difficulties  it  will  only  be 
operational in 2018. The project was awarded substantial EEPR funding amounting to € 110 
million.  The  submarine  link  connecting  Sardinia  (IT)  to  the  Italian  mainland  is  currently 
under construction and was envisaged to be finalised in 2008. However, no progress has been 
reported so far. 

2.1.4. 

Impact of implemented projects on the integration of renewable energies 

Given that the networks often operate close to their transmission limits already and have not 
yet been adapted to the variable and highly unpredictable flow patterns of renewable energy, 
the integration of renewable energy is a particularly acute challenge to the EU. 

To tackle this challenge there are a number of projects currently realised that are related to the 
integration of renewable energy, e.g. offshore wind connections implemented in the Member 
States located close to the Baltic and North Sea. The high wind penetration in these Member 
States creates a need for additional infrastructure which is able to connect the offshore wind 
parks to the onshore grid. Projects of European Interest that are related to the offshore wind 
connections  and  that  are  currently  finalised  or  under  construction  include:  'Avelin  (FR)  – 
Avelgem  (BE)  line',  'V.  Hassing  (DK)  –  Trige  (DK)  line',  'Estlink',  'Undersea  cable  link 
between  England  (UK)  and  the  Netherlands',  'Fenno-Skan  subsea  link  between  Finland  and 
Sweden', 'Hamburg/Krümmel (DE) – Schwerin (DE)', 'Halle/Saale (DE) – Schweinfurt (DE)'. 
Further projects integrate off-shore wind are under study or in the authorisation procedure.8 

However,  not  only  the  increased  availability  of  offshore,  but  also  of  onshore  wind  energy 
causes  congestion  problems  in  some  Member  States  not  necessarily  located  in  maritime 
regions. Further need to adapt networks due to fluctuations caused by hydro and solar power 

8 

EN 

report 

See 
http://ec.europa.eu/energy/infrastructure/tent_e/coordinators_en.htm. 

coordinator 

European 

the 

of 

available 

on 

Europa 

website: 

23 

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was raised. In e.g. Austria new interconnections are needed to transport the increased amount 
of  energy  produced  from  onshore  windmills  in  North-Eastern  Austria  to  the  Southern 
consumption  areas.  Moreover,  some  Mediterranean  countries  including  Portugal,  Spain, 
France report on the need to adapt their networks due to the fluctuations caused by onshore 
wind  energy,  hydro  and  solar  power.  Examples  are  the  Trans-Pyrenees  French  –  Spanish 
Connection 'Baixas – Santa Llogaia' or the connection between Southern Portugal and South-
Western Spain, and connections in the Basque country, Aragon, and Navarra or Galicia (ES). 
Tunisia  and  Italy  have  agreed  to  construct  an  interconnector  in  view  of  the  Tunisian  solar 
plan. 

2.1.5.  Results achieved with regard to the objectives of the TEN-E policy 

The main achievements made in the electricity and gas sectors with regard to the four main 
objectives9 of the TEN-E policy are summarised below. 

(1) 

Encouraging  the  effective  operation  and  development  of  the  internal  energy 
market 

This  objective  was  at  the  start  of  TEN-E,  and  selected  projects  have  made  a  significant 
contribution in this area. 

During  the  last  years,  substantial  progress  has  been  made  to  build  new  or  upgrade  existing 
interconnections  to  increase  transmission  capacity  between  the  Member  States.  These 
developments allowed for an increased energy exchange and more competition, contributing 
to the convergence of average energy prices and stimulating market integration and thus the 
development of a true internal energy market. 

Although a number of projects faced implementation difficulties, eleven cross-border projects 
in various regions  have been finalised since 2005, and 18 cross-border projects are (at least 
partly)  under  construction  (displayed  in  Table  A7  in  the  Annex).  For  17  of  these  projects, 
implementation has been accelerated by TEN-E or EEPR funding. 

(2) 

Facilitating  the  development  and  reducing  the  isolation  of  less-favoured  and 
island regions 

Some progress was made to facilitate the integration of less-favoured and island regions in the 
electricity sector. Out of the nine projects identified in the list of priority projects in isolated 
regions  (see  Annex  III  of  the  TEN-E  Guidelines),  four  are  under  construction.  However,  a 
number  of  the  projects  have  faced  substantial  delays,  and  none  of  them  has  been 
commissioned yet.  

Examples for projects for which substantial progress was reported are the UK (Wales)-Ireland 
line  as  well  as  the  Spanish  island  interconnection  projects,  namely  the  Spanish  Southern 
Cyclades as well as the Balearic and Canary islands. Also  the interconnection of the Italian 
islands is progressing (Sicily, Sardinia). 

9 

In accordance with Article 3 of the TEN-E Guidelines (OJ L 262, 22.9.2006, p. 1) 

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(3) 

Reinforcing the security of supply 

The  additional  or  upgraded  interconnectors  that  were  recently  implemented  have  increased 
transmission  capacity  between  as  well  as  within  Member  States  significantly.  In  terms  of 
security of supply this contributes directly to the alleviation of serious congestion that some 
transmission pathways have faced and enable operators to optimally use their networks in a 
more secure way. 

(4) 

Contributing to sustainable development and protection of the environment 

This is a relatively new addition to TEN-E and one where the impact is less conspicuous. 

Given that the networks often operate close to their transmission limits already and have not 
yet been adapted to the variable and highly unpredictable flow patterns of renewable energy, 
the integration of renewable energy is a particularly acute challenge to the EU. 

To tackle this challenge there are a number of projects that are e.g. connecting the offshore 
wind parks implemented in the Member States located close to the Baltic and North Sea. The 
high  wind  penetration  in  these  Member  States  creates  a  need  for  additional  infrastructure 
which is able to directly connect the offshore wind parks to the onshore grid.10 

However,  not  only  the  increased  availability  of  offshore,  but  also  of  onshore  wind  energy 
causes  congestion  problems  in  some  Member  States  not  necessarily  located  in  maritime 
regions, and a need to further adapt networks due to fluctuations caused by hydro and solar 
power are reported. 

10 

EN 

More 
on 
http://ec.europa.eu/energy/infrastructure/tent_e/coordinators_en.htm. 

information 

available 

is 

Europa 

website: 

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2.2. 

Gas network 

Some  progress  has  been  made  in  the  implementation  of  the  10  gas  projects  of  European 
interest as specified in Annex I of the TEN-E Guidelines11 since 200712. Most of the projects 
have moved to a next phase of their implementation (See Diagram 2). Up to today, two out of 
the  10  gas  projects  of  European  interest  are  finalised  and  one  is  under  construction.  Four 
projects  are  in  the  authorisation  phase.  In  addition,  there  are  two  projects  which  include 
several  sections  with  various  implementation  phase  status:  one  project  is  partly  in  the 
authorisation  phase  and  partly  finalised  and  the  various  sections  of  the  second  project  are 
either  under  authorisation,  under  construction  or  finalised.  No  projects  are  currently  in  the 
study phase. However, the study phase for one project (Yamal-Europe II) could not start yet 
as initially foreseen in 2007. 

Diagram 2 – Progress with the implementation of projects of European interest, gas pipelines 
(10 projects) 

Diagram 2 - Projects of European interest - Gas pipelines
Progress in implementation (March 2010)

10%

0%

40%

20%

Finalised

Authorisation/ Construction phase/
Finalised
Construction phase

Finalised / Authorisation phase

Authorisation phase

Study phase

Study phase not yet started

10%

10%

10%

The  progress  in  implementation  for  each  of  the  10  gas  projects  of  European  interest  is 
illustrated in Figures A5-A7. 

For which concern the priority projects, 12 additional projects have been finalised within the 
period 2007-2009 and 13 projects are currently under construction. Further information on the 
priority projects finalised and/or under construction is available in Table A6. 

11 
12 

OJ L262, 22.9.2006, p. 1 
For further detail, see Priority Interconnection Plan, SEC(2006)1715/1 

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2.2.1.  Description per priority axis 

NG1  United  Kingdom  –  northern  continental  Europe,  including  the  Netherlands, 
Belgium,  Denmark,  Sweden  and  Germany  –  Poland  –  Lithuania  –  Latvia  – 
Estonia – Finland – Russia 

Projects of European interest 

North European gas pipeline (Nord Stream pipeline) 

The  Nord  Stream  pipeline  aims  at  linking  Russian  resources  to  the  German  gas  network 
through the Baltic Sea. No gas field has been identified as the source for Nord Stream. It is 
envisaged that more than 50 % of this gas is diverted from existing routes. The gas arriving 
through  the  Nord  Stream  pipeline  will  be  transported  to  Germany  and  onwards  to 
neighbouring European countries. The main destinations will be Germany, Benelux countries 
and possibly France, Denmark and United Kingdom. 

The Nord Stream offshore pipeline section Vyborg (RU) – Greifswald (DE) is 1220 km long. 
The first trunk line, with an initial capacity of 27,5 Bcm/y, is expected to become operational 
by 2011; the second trunk line, with a further capacity of 27,5 Bcm/y, is expected by 2012. 
The total capacity of the undersea pipeline is foreseen up to 55 Bcm/y. 

The project has received all environmental and construction permits. The authorisation phase 
is  now  completed.  Construction  will  commence  in  the  first  half  of  2010.  A  comprehensive 
trans-boundary  environmental  impact  assessment  was  carried  out.  The  main  elements  of 
complexity  reported 
the 
environmental permitting procedures that differ in the various countries concerned. The Nord 
Stream  consortium  has  not  requested  any  TEN-E  grant  up  to  date.  The  cost  of  the  Nord 
Stream offshore pipeline is estimated at € 7,4 billion. 

the  complexity  of  environmental  studies  and  of 

include 

Upstream, the onshore section connecting the Nord Stream pipeline to Russian gas fields is 
917  km  long  and  is  under  construction.  Downstream,  the  reinforcement  of  the  German  gas 
network (up to 850 km) is in the study phase. 

In  addition,  the  Dutch  network  is  being  developed  to  connect  with  Germany  and  further  to 
Belgium and the United Kingdom (see below). 

Yamal – Europe II natural gas pipeline 

Yamal  –  Europe  II  aims  at  doubling  the  capacity  of  the  Yamal  –  Europe  gas  pipeline  from 
Russian gas resources to the European Union through Belarus and Poland along the existing 
Yamal  –  Europe  I  pipeline.  The  pipeline  would  be  680  km  long  with  a  capacity  of  up  to 
43 Bcm/y. The total cost of the Yamal – Europe II project is estimated at € 1.500 million. In 
spite of the support from the governments of the three Baltic States, the Baltic gas companies, 
potential partners in the project, did not show interest in the  project to date. As a result, no 
feasibility  studies  have  been  undertaken  yet.  A  TEN-E  grant  (amounting  to  € 924.000)  was 
allocated in 2004 to the Polish gas company to carry out a study on possible routes for gas 
pipelines  from  Russia  to  the  EU,  including  the  Yamal  –  Europe  II  and  Amber  projects. 
However  the  study  could  not  be  carried  out,  given  that  the  lack  of  interest  from  potential 
partners would not have allowed performing a sound and consistent analysis. 

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Natural gas pipeline linking Denmark, Germany and Sweden (Baltic Gas Interconnector) 

The Baltic Gas Interconnector would connect the gas networks of southern Sweden, northern 
Germany  and  eastern  Denmark.  The  offshore  section  of  the  pipeline  is  200  km  long.  The 
authorisation  phase  is  now  completed  (respectively  in  2004  for  Sweden,  2005  for  Denmark 
and  2006  for  Germany).  The  pipeline  was  expected  to  enter  into  operation  in  2010  with  a 
capacity of 3 Bcm/y. Initially, the gas was foreseen to come from a gas field in the North Sea 
which  is  now  in  depletion.  The  source  could  then  also  be  from  Russia.  In  addition,  linking 
Nord Stream pipeline to the Swedish gas pipeline network is being considered, though energy 
policy priorities for Sweden are strongly focused on the promotion of renewable energy and 
as such, the role of gas is expected to remain relatively unimportant in its future energy-mix. 
Therefore, the objectives of this pipeline are to be reviewed and its implementation is delayed. 
One additional year is left in relation to the approval received. This project does not feature 
among the priority projects for the Baltic Sea Region as identified by the stakeholders under 
the BEMIP13. 

Apart from the change of gas sources, changes in energy policy priorities of Sweden and the 
diversity of authorisation counterparts in Germany and time-consuming procedures were the 
main elements of complexity reported. No TEN-E grant has been allocated to this project. 

Increase in transmission capacity on the Germany – Belgium – United Kingdom axis 

This project will allow importing Norwegian gas to Western European markets, and will be 
the link to the import pipelines Nord Stream and possibly in the longer term Yamal-Europe II. 
It  requires  two  new  important  interconnections:  i)  connection  between  the  Netherlands  and 
United Kingdom, and ii) connection between Germany and the Netherlands towards Belgium. 

i) Connection between the Netherlands and United Kingdom 

A  major  element  of  this  project  is  thus  the  Balgzand  (NL)  –  Bacton  (UK)  Line  (BBL) 
linking the Netherlands to United Kingdom. The link is operational since 2006. This offshore 
interconnector is 230 km long with a capacity of 8 Bcm/y. No delays in the implementation 
have been reported though the project promoters had to manage natural protected areas and 
the need to re-route the pipeline. The total cost of the project was € 500 million. Its feasibility 
study was supported by the TEN-E budget. The BBL pipeline will be reinforced in 2010 with 
the installation of a 4th compression station in the Netherlands. 

The  GWWL  pipeline  (Grijpskerk  –  Workum  –  Wieringermeer  line)  is  operational  since 
2007.  This  interconnection  is  110  km  long.  No  major  problems  during  the  implementation 
have been reported. The total cost of the project was estimated to € 350 million. The GWWL 
pipeline contributes to connect Germany to the BBL pipeline towards United Kingdom. 

ii) Connection between Germany and the Netherlands towards Belgium 

The  other  major  element  of  this  overall  project  is  the  North-South  project  Rysum  (DE)/ 
Oude  Statenzijl  (NL)  –  Zelzate/'s  Gravenvoeren  (NL),  crossing  the  Dutch  territory  from 
the German-Dutch border to the Dutch-Belgium border. This project implemented by Gasunie 
(NL)  –  also  called  European  Gas  Roundabout  project  –  includes  a  number  of  new  gas 

13 

Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan (BEMIP) 

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28 

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interconnections  and  compressor  stations  and  is  budgeted  at  €  1.156  million.  This  400  km 
long  project  will  be  a  link  between  Germany  and  the  Netherlands  that  will  allow  the 
development  of  the  European  Gas  Roundabout  project  that  will  bring  Norwegian  gas  (at  a 
first  stage)  to  Germany,  the  Netherlands  and  further  to  Belgium  and  the  United  Kingdom. 
This project has been allocated an EIB loan of around € 500 million. 

The  Eernstunnel  linking  Rysum  (DE)  and  Midwolda  (NL)  is  under  construction.  This 
interconnection is 4 km long. Its entry capacity is up to 31,8 Bcm/y and its exit capacity is up 
to  12,5  Bcm/y.  It  is  expected  to  enter  into  operation  in  October  2010.  The  total  cost  of  the 
Eernstunnel  is  estimated  up  to  €  60  million.  The  project  has  been  allocated  a  TEN-E  grant 
amounting to a maximum of € 1.931.809 in 2009 (for the German section of the project). No 
delays have been reported for this project. This section is part of the North-South project. 

The transport capacity from Emden / OSZ (German border) to Balgzand (BBL Pipeline) is to 
be further extended by 10 Bcm/y. The extension pipeline is 100 km long and is expected to be 
operational in 2014-2015. The project is in the authorisation phase. This section is part of the 
North-South project. 

The  pipeline  Ommen  –  Ravenstein  (NL)  towards  the  Belgian  border  is  now  under 
construction.  The  pipeline  is  180  km  long  and  has  a  capacity  of  up  to  20  Bcm/y.  The 
interconnection is foreseen to be operational in October 2012. No delays have been reported 
for this project. This section is part of the North-South project. 

In  addition  to  the  above-mentioned  projects,  a  connection  linking  the  LNG  terminal  GATE 
near  Rotterdam  (Maasvlakte)  to  the  Dutch  gas  network  towards  CS  Wijngaarden  is  under 
construction.  This  80  km  long  pipeline  has  a  capacity  of  12  Bcm/y  and  is  expected  to  be 
operational in October 2011. No delays have been reported to date. 

The LNG terminal GATE (Maasvlakte) is currently under construction and is expected to be 
fully operational in 2011 with a capacity of 9 Bcm. In the longer term, the capacity is foreseen 
to be increased up to 16 Bcm. The project will be connected to the Dutch gas network as part 
of the North-South project. 

Last,  the  underground  gas  storage  in  Alkmaar  is  to  be  connected  to  Bergermeer.  Such 
connection includes a 2 km long pipeline with a 4 Bcm/y capacity and a 10 MW compression 
station. This project is in the authorisation phase. No delays have been reported to date. This 
section is part of the North-South project. 

The  interconnection  Ravenstein  (NL)  –  Vinkel  (BE)  is  operational  since  2003.  No  major 
problems  have  been  reported  during  the  implementation.  This  section  is  part  of  the  North-
South project. 

The  main  elements  of  complexity  of  the  North-South  project  (axis  Germany  –  The 
Netherlands  –  Belgium)  as  reported  are  lengthy  permitting  procedures  (including  EIA 
reporting), managing natural protected areas, crossing natural barriers as well as the escalation 
of contractor pricing caused by limited capacity and increasing costs of energy. 

Priority projects 

Skanled – European Gas Supply (SEGS) 

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The Skanled pipeline aims at connecting the Danish and Swedish gas systems to Norwegian 
gas  resources.  The planned  pipeline will  go  from  Karsto,  on  the  Norwegian  West  Coast,  to 
Greenland,  on  the  Norwegian  East  Coast,  and  to  Sweden  and  Denmark.  The  pipeline  is 
foreseen  to  have  a  capacity  of  8,3  Bcm/y  and  a total  length  of 1130  km  (860  km  for  the 
offshore section, 250 km for the Danish onshore section and 16 km for the Swedish onshore 
section). The  total  cost  of  the  project  is  estimated  to  €  1.245  million.  The  project  has  been 
allocated  two  TEN-E  grant  in  2007  and  2008  amounting  respectively  to  930.000  €  and 
2.268.000  €.  However,  though  feasibility  studies  have  been  performed,  the  project was 
suspended  in April  2009  due  to  increased  commercial  risk  combined  with  the  global 
economic developments that have given an uncertain view on future gas demand. 

Baltic Pipe 

The  Baltic  Pipe aims  at  connecting  the  Danish  and  Polish gas  systems  to  Norwegian  gas 
resources.  The gas  pipeline  will  be  offshore  with  an approximate  length  of  38-45  km. The 
estimated  annual  capacity  is  2,5  Bcm. The  total  cost  of  the  project  is  estimated  to  €450 
million. The project concept has to be reviewed following the delays encountered with regard 
to  the  Skanled  pipeline  development.  The  Baltic  Pipe  implementation  is  thus  delayed.  The 
project has been allocated TEN-E grants in  1999,  2000, 2008 and 2009, which amount  to a 
total of € 8.196 million. Pre-engineering studies will be funded under the EEPR. 

In addition, four priority projects have been completed, including  the upgrading of capacity 
along  the  north-west  axis:  Zelzate  (BE)  -  Zeebrugge  (BE)  completed  in  2009.  Two  further 
projects are under construction: 

–  Connections  between  north-east  Germany  (Berlin  area)  and  north-west  Poland  (Szczecin 

area) with a branch from Schmölln to Lubmin (DE, Greifswald area); 

–  Zeebrugge (BE) - Eynatten (BE) capacity upgrade (additional capacity up to 10 Bcm/y) 

Further information on priority projects finalised or under construction is available in Table 
A6. 

Main obstacles and/or reasons for delay reported: 

-  Complexity  of  legal  and  regulatory  framework  (numerous  authorisation  procedures  at 
different administrative levels: federal, regional, local); 

-  Time-consuming  permitting  procedures  (incl. EIA  report)  and  synchronisation  of  different 
public hearings; 

- Coordination with upstream pipelines projects; 

- Synchronisation of gas transmission grids upgrade along the pipeline route; 

- Managing protected natural areas; 

- Crossing existing infrastructures (eg tunnels etc); 

- Crossing densely populated areas and natural barriers; 

- Supply chain price evolution; 

- Financing sources scarcity. 

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NG2  Algeria – Spain – Italy – France – northern continental Europe 

Projects of European interest 

Algeria – Tunisia - Italy gas pipeline (TRANSMED II) 

The TRANSMED II pipeline is operational since 2008 (first phase). Its length is 160 km and 
its capacity is up to 6,5 Bcm/y. The second phase of the extension is expected to be completed 
in 2012. The extension realised is less a new pipeline than an upgrading of the Algerian and 
Tunisian  sections  which  permitted  to  increase  the  transport  capacity.  The  project  has  been 
implemented according to the initial schedule and no problems have been reported. The total 
cost of the project is not available. No TEN-E support has been allocated to this project. 

Algeria – Italy gas pipeline, via Sardinia and Corsica, with a branch to France (Galsi) 

The Galsi project is a new gas pipeline aiming at connecting the Algerian gas resources to the 
Italian  and  European  markets  through  a  new  route  via  Sardinia  Island  and  the  Italian 
mainland. The overall length of the system is 840 km, of which 288 km concern the Algeria – 
Sardinia section (El Kala – Koudieth Draouch – Porto Botte) and 563 km concern the Italian 
section Sardinia – Tuscany (Porto Botte – Olbia – Piombino). The pipeline total capacity is 
8 Bcm/y.  The  Front  End  Engineering  Design  has  been  completed  and  the  authorisation 
procedures are now at an advanced stage. 

Construction is expected to start in 2010/2011 and the pipeline is foreseen to be operational 
end  of  2013  instead  of  2011  as  planned  at  the  outset  of  the  project.  The  main  elements  of 
complexity  reported  are  the  technical  constraints  linked  to  the  water  depth  between  Algeria 
and Sardinia (maximal depth exceeds -2.800 m) and the length of the offshore section (70 % 
of the overall  Galsi  system  is  underwater). The project was not allocated  any  TEN-E grant, 
but is supported under the EEPR budget up to € 120 million. The total cost of the project is 
approximately € 3.600 million. 

Connecting  Corsica  Island  to  the  Galsi  system  is  currently  under  assessment  by  French 
authorities. 

Medgas gas pipeline (Algeria – Spain – France – Continental Europe) 

The Medgas gas pipeline connects the Algerian gas resources to the Spanish gas network and 
further  to  France  and  continental  Europe.  The  interconnection  is  208  km  long  and  has  a 
capacity of 8 Bcm/y. The project includes a receiving terminal in Almeria, the lending point 
in  Spain,  and  a  compressor  station  in  Beni  Saf  (Algeria).  The  construction  of  the  offshore 
section  is  now  completed  and  the  onshore  works  are  now  close  to  their  completion.  The 
testing sequence started end of 2009 and the interconnector is foreseen to be fully operational 
in 2010. The project has faced a delay of approximately one year in the construction of the 
onshore  terminals,  though  no  specific  problems  have  been  reported.  The  project  has  been 
allocated two TEN-E grants (respectively in 2004 and 2007), both amounting to a maximum 
of € 2 million. The total cost of the project amounts to € 900 million. 

Downstream in Spain, several gas interconnections on the Larrau branch of the western axis 
are  under  construction:  pipeline  Tivissa  –  Paterna,  pipeline  Tivissa  –  Castelnou,  pipeline 
Zarza  Tajo  –  Yela,  and  pipeline  Yela  –  Villar  Arnedo,  including  the  Villar  de  Arnedo 
compressor station. These four interconnections reach a total length of 681 km and a capacity 

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31 

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of  3,14  Bcm/y.  They  are  foreseen  to  enter  into  operation  end  of  2012.  In  addition,  a  new 
compressor station in Navarra is operational since end of 2009. These infrastructures aim at 
reinforcing  the  Spanish  gas  system  and  thus  creating  a  bidirectional  gas  flow  capacity 
between Spain and France with similar capacities in both directions, whereas the Larrau axis 
was  initially  designed  to  allow  flows  in  the  direction  France  to  Spain  for  the  capacity 
associated to a long term supply contract with Norwegian gas suppliers. 

However,  the  full  capacity  resulting  from  the  installation  of  this  new  compressor  station 
should be reached after the completion of the necessary reinforcements in France, expected by 
2013.  No  TEN-E  grants  have  been  allocated  to  this  project,  but  these  infrastructures  are 
supported under the EEPR budget up to € 45 million. 

The reinforcement of the French gas network on the Africa-Spain-France axis is now in the 
authorisation phase. The interconnections considered concern both the Western corridor along 
the  Atlantic  Ocean  and  the  Eastern  corridor  along  the  Mediterranean  Sea.  They  are 
respectively 57 and 215 km long for an additional capacity of respectively 3,5 and 7,4 Bcm/y. 
They are foreseen to enter into operation respectively in 2013 and 2015. No delays have been 
reported  to  date,  though  the  period  of  administrative  implementation  and  the  diversity  of 
administrative  authorisations  required  are  seen  as  possible  elements  of  complexity  of  the 
project.  No  TEN-E  grants  have  been  allocated  to  this  project,  but  it  is  supported  under  the 
EEPR budget up to € 200 million. 

Priority projects 

Five further priority projects have been finalised: 

–  New gas pipelines from  Algeria to Spain and France and related capacity increase of the 

internal networks in these countries (2002) 

–  Increasing  transport  capacity  of  the  Algeria  -  Morocco  -  Spain  (up  to  Córdoba)  pipeline 

(2004) 

–  Ciudad Real (ES) - Madrid (ES) pipeline (operation date not available) 

–  Córdoba (ES) - Ciudad Real (ES) pipeline (operation date not available) 

–  Lussagnet (FR) - Bilbao (ES) pipeline (2005) 

Main obstacles and/or reasons for delay reported: 

-  Complexity  of  legal  and  regulatory  framework  (numerous  authorisation  procedures  at 
different administrative levels: federal, regional, local); 

-  Time-consuming  permitting  procedures  (incl. EIA  report)  and  synchronisation  of  different 
public hearings; 

- Synchronisation of gas transmission grids upgrade along the pipeline route; 

- Managing protected natural areas; 

- Crossing natural barriers (eg. Mediterranean Sea). 

EN 

32 

   EN 

 
NG3  Caspian Sea countries – Middle East – EU 

Projects of European interest 

Turkey – Greece – Italy gas pipeline (ITGI/Poseidon) 

The ITGI project aims at connecting the Caspian and Middle East natural gas to Italy and the 
EU  through  Turkey  and  Greece.  The  project  implementation  is  sub-divided  into  two  linked 
interconnections as described below. 

Section 1: the Greece – Turkey interconnector 

The Greece – Turkey interconnector has been completed in 2007. The pipeline is 295 km 
long linking Karacabey (TR) to Komotini (EL) and brings an additional import capacity of up 
to 11 Bcm/y. The main complexity elements noticed during the project implementation relate 
to natural protected areas and military areas. In addition, the crossing of the Evros River – the 
State border between Turkey and Greece – required a specific coordination between the two 
countries  and  presented  some  technical  difficulties.  This  project  received  a  TEN-E  grant  in 
2001  and  2002  of  respectively  243.500  €  and  4.330.000  €  for  feasibility,  technical  and 
environmental studies. The total cost of the project amounts to approximately € 280 million, 
of which € 82,2 million on the Greek side. 

Section 2: the Greece – Italy interconnector 

The  Greece  –  Italy  interconnector  is  800  km  long  (of  which  570  km  onshore)  and  has  a 
capacity of up to 9 Bcm/y. It will link Komotini (EL) to Otranto (IT). The offshore section of 
the  pipeline  is  called  "Poseidon"  pipeline.  The  project  is  in  the  authorisation  phase.  On  the 
Italian side, the detailed engineering has been completed; the authorisation procedures are at 
an  advanced  stage.  On  the  Greek  side,  the  design  phase  is  about  to  start  shortly.  The 
preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment approval is expected to be granted in 2010. 

The project is currently facing a delay of 3 years and is expected to be operational in 2015. 
The  main  complexity  elements  reported  are  the  technical  features  of  the  offshore  section 
(1.370 m  depth;  HDD  method  for  the  construction  of  the  Italian  landfall),  the  authorisation 
procedures related coordination as well as natural gas sale, purchase and transit agreements. 

The estimated total cost of the project amount to € 1.250 million, of which € 800 million for 
the  offshore  section  of  the  pipeline.  The  project  has  been  allocated  three  TEN-E  grants  in 
2003-2005 for studies amounting respectively to 930.000 €, 3.325.000 € and 3.370.500 €. In 
addition,  the  offshore  section  of  the  Greece  –  Italy  interconnector  (Poseidon)  is  supported 
under the EEPR budget up to a maximum of € 100 million. 

Turkey – Austria gas pipeline (Nabucco)14 

The  Nabucco  gas  pipeline  is  a  new  interconnector  to  connect  the  Caspian  region  and  the 
Middle East gas resources to the Central and Western European gas market. The pipeline will 
run  from  the  Eastern  border  of  Turkey  through  Bulgaria,  Romania  and  Hungary  to  the  gas 
trading hub at Baumgarten in Austria. Its total length is approximately 3.300 km. The pipeline 

14 

EN 

Further 
the  Nabucco 
http://ec.europa.eu/energy/infrastructure/tent_e/coordinators_en.htm 

pipeline 

detail 

gas 

on 

implementation 

is 

available 

on: 

33 

   EN 

 
                                                 
will  be  constructed  in  different  phases.  The  pipeline  is  expected  to  reach  its  first  capacity 
stage,  up  to  8-10  Bcm/y,  in  2014.  A  first  extension  of  the  capacity  (up  to  15  Bcm/y)  is 
foreseen to be operational in 2016. Last, the pipeline is foreseen to reach its full capacity up to 
31 Bcm/y in 2019. The pipeline will include a reverse flow capability. To date, the project is 
in the authorisation phase. 

The  lack  of  harmonisation  of  legal  and  regulatory  framework  along  the  pipeline  route,  the 
environmental permitting procedures and the need to synchronise the project implementation 
with  the  development  of  large  gas  fields  where  the  gas  will  be  sourced  from  are  the  main 
elements  of  complexity  to  be  faced.  In  order  to  mitigate  the  inherent  complexity  of  such  a 
large  scale  project,  an  intergovernmental  agreement  has  been  signed  by  all  the  countries 
involved  (five  EU  Member  States  and  Turkey)  on  13  July  2009.  This  agreement  aims  at 
mitigating  the  regulatory  risks  and  demonstrates  the  political  support  from  the  Nabucco 
partner countries. In addition, a coordinated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment is 
currently undertaken in parallel in each of the transit countries. 

The  Nabucco  pipeline  has  been  allocated  two  TEN-E  grants  during  its  study  phase, 
respectively in 2003 with a maximum amount of € 1,7 million, and in 2005 with a maximum 
amount  of  €  4,8  million.  In  2009,  a  further  TEN-E  grant  amounting  to  a  maximum  of  €  3 
million has been allocated to this project. In addition, the project is supported under the EEPR 
budget up to € 200 million. The estimated total cost of the project amounts to € 7.900 million. 

Priority projects 

Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) 

The TAP pipeline refers to a transit pipeline with the view to transport gas mainly from the 
Caspian Sea region and the Middle East region to Italy, through Turkey, Greece and Albania. 
The 520 km long pipeline is foreseen to have a capacity of 10 Bcm/y. This project is in the 
authorisation  phase.  Its  total  cost  is  estimated  up  to  €  1.500  million.  The  project  has  been 
allocated  two  TEN-E  grants  in  2004  and  2005,  respectively  amounting  to  1.026.000  €  and 
2.000.000 €. One of the main elements of complexity of the project is the need to align the 
construction with upstream connections developments. 

White Stream Gas Pipeline 

The White Stream Gas Pipeline will provide a link between the South Caucasus Gas Pipeline 
(SCP) in Georgia and Romania, across the Black Sea via Crimea. The length of the pipeline is 
estimated  to  1100  km,  of  which  700  km  relate  to  the  undersea  section  from  Georgia  to 
Crimea. During the first phase of implementation, the pipeline may have an initial capacity of 
approximately 8 Bcm/y. Subsequent phases of implementation are foreseen to make available 
larger  quantities  of  gas  (16  Bcm/y  in  phase  2)  potentially  up  to  32  Bcm/y  when  the  Trans-
Caspian  pipeline  will  start  transporting  gas  from  Turkmenistan  and  other  Eastern  Caspian 
countries. At this stage, the White Stream Pipeline will allow supplying further EU Member 
States (such as Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Baltic States, etc) with Caspian 
gas. The project is currently in the study phase and is foreseen to be operational in 2016. The 
total cost of the project is estimated to approximately € 4.000 million. The project has been 
allocated  two  TEN-E  grants  in  2007  and  2008  amounting  respectively  to  300.000  €  and 
350.000 €. 

EN 

34 

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The  Nabucco,  ITGI  and  White  Stream  projects  will  contribute  to  the  development  of  the 
Southern gas Corridor. 

Main obstacles and/or reasons for delay reported: 

-  Complexity  of  legal  and  regulatory  framework  (numerous  authorisation  procedures  at 
different administrative levels: federal, regional, local); 

-  Time-consuming  permitting  procedures  (incl. EIA  report)  and  synchronisation  of  different 
public hearings; 

- Coordination with upstream pipelines projects; 

- Market issues (finalisation of natural gas sale, purchase agreements and transit agreements); 

- Synchronisation of gas transmission grids upgrade along the pipeline route; 

- Managing protected natural areas; 

- Crossing existing infrastructures (eg tunnels, underwater pipelines etc); 

-  Crossing  densely  populated  areas,  military  areas  and  natural  barriers  (eg.  Mediterranean 
Sea); 

- Supply chain price evolution; 

- Financing sources scarcity. 

NG4  Liquefied  natural  gas  (LNG)  terminals  in  Belgium,  France,  Spain,  Portugal, 

Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Poland 

The  TEN-E  guidelines  specified  25  locations  as  priority  for  LNG  terminals  projects  in  10 
Member  States.  All  –  except  the  LNG  terminals  located  in  Malta  and  United  Kingdom  – 
belong to the priority axis NG4 (see Table 1 below). 

Table  1  –  Number  of  LNG  terminals  projects  as  specified  in  the  Annex  III  of  the  TEN-E 
guidelines per Member State, and related TEN-E projects references 

Belgium  France 

Spain 

Portugal 

Italy 

Greece  Cyprus  Poland  Malta 

United 
Kingdom 

1 

8.17 

2 

8.1 
8.2 

2 

6.4 
6.9 

3 

6.13 
8.10 
8.18 

6 

8.11 
8.12 
8.13 
8.14 
8.15 
8.16 

8 

6.2 
6.3 
8.3 
8.4 
8.5 
8.6 
8.7 
8.8 

1 

6.11 

1 

- 

1 

1 

6.15 

8.18 

A total of 38 sites have been more specifically considered under the 25 geographical areas as 
specified  in  the  TEN-E  guidelines.  Diagram  3  gives  the  progress  in  the  implementation  of 
these 38 sites up to February 2010. 

EN 

35 

   EN 

 
Diagram 3 – LNG terminals progress in implementation (March 2010) 

Diagram 3 - LNG terminals
progress in implementation (Feb. 2010)

3%

18%

5%

34%

32%

8%

Finalised

Construction phase

Authorisation phase

Study phase

Cancelled

Status not available

In the period 2007-2009, eight LNG terminal projects as listed in the TEN-E guidelines were 
completed. In addition, three projects are currently in the construction phase and are expected 
to  enter  into  operation  in  2010.  Two  projects  have  been  cancelled  because  of  the 
implementation  of  an  alternative  solution  for  securing  gas  supply  and  five  following  the 
negative  advice  from  the  regional  authorities  and/or  environmental  concerns  with  regard  to 
the  site  initially  considered.  Still,  for  five  cases,  the  project  implementation  is  pursued 
although  in  an  alternative  site.  Detailed  information  on  the  projects  finalised  and  under 
construction is available in Table A6. 

The state of implementation of TEN-E LNG terminals projects is described per Member State 
below. 

Priority projects 

Belgium 

The capacity extension of the LNG terminal in Zeebrugge has been completed in 2008. The 
capacity has thus been upgraded from 4,5 up to 9 Bcm up to date. 

A  market  study  related  to  a  further  extension  of  capacity  has  been  launched  in  2007.  The 
additional  capacity  is  foreseen  to  be  made  available  as  from  2016.  Yet,  the  actual 
commissioning  date  may  depend  on  the  level  and  type  of  new  investments  required  and  on 
permitting constraints. A phased implementation of the different parts of the project could be 
envisaged. 

France 

The  capacity  extension  of  the  LNG  terminal  "Fos  Tonkin"  at  Fos-sur-Mer  (on  the  French 
Mediterranean coast) has been completed in 2007. The terminal has currently a capacity of 7 
Bcm/y.  The  new  LNG  terminal  "Fos-Cavaou"  also  located  at  Fos-sur-Mer  is  under 
construction. It should enter into operation in 2010 with a capacity of 8,25 Bcm/y. 

A new terminal at Le Verdon-sur-mer - located on the French Atlantic coast – is in the study 
phase.  The  terminal  is  foreseen  to  be  operational  in  2013  with  an  initial  capacity  of  6  to 
9 Bcm/y. The capacity could be further extended up to 15 Bcm/y at a later stage. 

EN 

36 

   EN 

 
 
Spain 

Six out of the eight LNG terminals in Spain as listed in the Annex III of the TEN-E guidelines 
are operational as follows: Cartagena (second capacity extension up to 11,8 Bcm/y finalised 
in 2008), Huelva (second capacity extension up to 11,8 Bcm/y finalised in 2009), Mugardos 
(Galicia)  (new  site  operational  since  2007,  3,62  Bcm/y),  Bilbao  (new  site  operational  since 
2003  with  a  capacity  of  7  Bcm/y),  Sagunto  (Valencia  region)  (new  site  operational  since 
2009)  and  Barcelona  (regasification  capacity  extension  completed  in  2009,  up  to  17,08 
Bcm/y). Further extensions of the terminals are foreseen in the horizon 2016. 

Both  LNG  terminals  in  Tenerife  (site  Arico-Granadilla)  and  Gran  Canaria  (site  Arinaga) 
(Canary  Islands)  are  in  the  authorisation  phase.  The  two  terminals  are  foreseen  to  be 
operational respectively in 2013, with a similar capacity of 1,3 Bcm/y. This capacity could be 
upgraded up to 2 Bcm/y by 2016. 

Portugal 

The  LNG  terminal  at  Sines  entered  into  operation  in  2004  with  an  initial  capacity  of  5,5 
Bcm/y. A further extension of its capacity is foreseen to be completed by 2011. 

The construction of an LNG terminal in Madeira Island is under consideration. The project is 
in the study phase and – if implemented – is expected to be operational in 2014. This terminal 
would  be  the  first  LNG  terminal  in  a  peripheral  region.  Its  possible  capacity  is  still  under 
consideration. 

Italy 

In the north Adriatic Sea, the offshore LNG terminal in Rovigo entered into operation in 2009 
with a capacity of 8 Bcm/y. Two onshore LNG terminals are under construction and should 
enter  into  operation  in  2010,  respectively  at  Brindisi  (capacity  of  8  Bcm/y)  on  the  South 
Adriatic coast and at Livorno (site so called Toscana offshore) (capacity of 3,75 Bcm/y) on 
the Tyrrhenian Sea coast. In addition, eight projects are in the authorisation phase. 

Greece 

The  first  extension  of  the  LNG  terminal  in  Revithoussa  has  been  completed  in  2007.  The 
capacity  of  the  terminal  is  currently  approximately  5.8  Bcm/y.  A  further  expansion  of  the 
LNG  terminal’s  storage  capacity  through  the  addition  of  a  3rd  LNG  tank  is  under 
consideration. This project is still in the conceptual phase but its realization is expected to be 
completed around 2014. 

The implementation of a second LNG terminal in continental Greece has been cancelled. 

The  implementation  of  an  LNG  terminal  in  Crete  is  delayed  since  an  alternative  option  for 
electricity generation has been developed. The project is in the study phase and is foreseen to 
be operational in 2016. 

Cyprus 

The LNG terminal in Cyprus, Vassilikos Energy Center, as specified in the TEN-E guidelines 
is currently in the study phase and is foreseen to be operational in 2014. The terminal capacity 
is foreseen to be gradually increased from 0,7 up to 1,5 Bcm until 2035. The total cost of the 

EN 

37 

   EN 

 
project  is  estimated  to  €  670  million.  The  forthcoming  construction  of  this  LNG  terminal 
requires the reinforcement of the local natural gas network in Cyprus to accommodate power 
stations  and  users.  Such  reinforcement  is  supported  under  the  EEPR  budget  up  to 
€ 10 million. 

Poland 

The LNG terminal in Swinoujscie – located close to the German-Polish border – is currently 
in the authorisation phase. It is foreseen to be operational by 2014 with an initial capacity of 5 
Bcm/y, which could be upgraded up to 7,5 Bcm/y by 2017. Its total cost is estimated up to € 
869 million. The project has not been allocated any TEN-E funding but is supported under the 
EEPR budget up to € 55 million and the EFRD budget up to € 120 million. 

LNG terminals in other Member States 

Malta 

Natural  gas  in  Malta  will  be  used  as  fuel  at  the  existing  and  new  Combined  Cycle  Gas 
Turbine  plants.  A  feasibility  study  was  to  be  undertaken  on  the  possibility  of  importing 
natural gas to Malta using a pipeline or LNG facilities. No further information is available on 
this project. 

United Kingdom 

The  LNG  terminal  at  Isle  of  Grain  (Kent)  is  operational  since  2005.  Its  capacity  has  been 
upgraded in 2008 from 4,4 up to 13,5 Bcm/y. A third capacity extension up to 20,5 Bcm/y is 
currently under construction and is expected to be operational in 2010. The total cost of the 
project is estimated to approximately € 1.100 million. 

Main obstacles and/or reasons for delay reported: 

-  Complexity  of  legal  and  regulatory  framework  (numerous  authorisation  procedures  at 
different administrative levels: federal, regional, local); 

-  Time-consuming  permitting  procedures  (including  the  EIA  report  and  other  requirements 
under the SEVESO regulatory framework) and synchronisation of different public hearings; 

- Synchronisation of gas transmission grid upgrades; 

- Local opposition to the project (including environmental concerns); 

-  Technical/technological  constraints  (eg. 
anticipation of seismic risks during the construction phase); 

implementation  of 

innovative 

technology, 

- Integration with other industrial activities in site; 

- Managing protected natural areas (including fauna and flora). 

NG5  Underground  gas  storage  in  Spain,  Portugal,  France,  Italy,  Greece  and  the 

Baltic Sea Region 

The TEN-E guidelines specified 20 underground gas storage projects in 12 Member States, of 
which  15  belong  to  the  priority  axis  NG5  (see  Table  2).  The  state  of  implementation  of  all 
these projects is described below. 

EN 

38 

   EN 

 
Table  2  –  Number  of  gas  storage  projects  as  specified  in  the  Annex  III  of  the  TEN-E 
guidelines per Member State, and related projects references 

Spain 

Portugal  France 

Italy 

Greece  Baltic Sea Region  Austria  Belgium 

Ireland 

2 

8.26 
8.27 

1 

8.28 

4 

8.22 
8.23 
8.24 
8.25 

1 

1 

5 

8.35 

8.21 

8.30, 8.31 (DK) 
8.36, 8.37 (PL) 
8.39 (LT) 
9.4 (LV) 

1 

1 

8.29 

8.20 

3 

8.32 
8.33 
8.34 

Priority projects 

Spain 

Serrablo (1,1 Bcm) and Gaviota (2,6 Bcm) are the only subterranean storages currently under 
operation. There are several new underground storage facilities and/or expansion of existing 
sites  which  are  under  construction  such  as  Poseidón  (capacity  of  0,25  Bcm;  foreseen 
operation  date  is  2010),  Yela  (capacity  of  1  Bcm;  foreseen  operation  date  is  2011),  Castor 
(capacity  of  1,3  Bcm;  foreseen  operation  date  is  2012),  Marismas  (capacity  up  to  0,9  Bcm; 
foreseen operation date is 2013) and Gaviota (capacity up to 1,5 Bcm; foreseen operation date 
is 2015). In addition, two gas storage projects respectively in Barreras and El Ruedo are in the 
study phase. 

Portugal 

The  underground  gas  storage  in  Carriço  is  operational  since  2009  with  a  capacity  up  to  1,4 
Bcm. The extension of the gas storage capacity is under consideration. The capacity increase 
envisaged  is  estimated  to  approximately  0,5-0,7  Bcm.  The  foreseen  operation  date  is  not 
available. 

France 

The  underground  gas  storage  in  Lussagnet  (aquifer  type)  is  currently  operational  with  a 
capacity of 2,4 Bcm. Its extension up to 3,5 Bcm is currently in the construction phase and is 
expected to be completed by 2011. This project was allocated a TEN-E grant amounting to a 
maximum of 1.500.000 € in 2002 during its study phase. 

The  construction  of  an  underground  gas  storage  in  Pécorade  (depleted  field  type)  is  under 
consideration. The project is thus in the study phase. The foreseen capacity is approximately 
0,75-1  Bcm.  Its  expected  operation  date  is  not  available.  The  estimated  total  cost  of  the 
project amounts to € 300 million. The project has been allocated a TEN-E grant amounting to 
4.300.000 € in 1999. 

In  addition,  the  extensions  of  three  other  existing  storage  projects  (Aquifer  type)  are  in  the 
study phase in the Center Region: Chemery and Soings-en-Sologne UGS (foreseen capacity 
extension of 0,06 Bcm) and Céré la Ronde UGS (capacity extension not available yet). The 
extension  of  the  Céré  la  Ronde  UGS  is  expected  to  be  completed  in  2011.  Further,  the 
implementation  of  a  salt  cavity  type  storage  in  the  Alsace  Region  –  so  called  "Alsace  Sud 
project" – is under consideration as well. The capacity foreseen is estimated up to 0,16 Bcm. 
The foreseen date of operation is not available yet. 

EN 

39 

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Italy 

One underground gas storage project is under construction: the Cotignola – San Potito project 
(depleted  gas  fields  type)  which  has  a  capacity  of  0,9  Bcm.  The  project  is  expected  to  be 
operational  in  2012.  In  parallel,  five  other  projects  are  in  the  authorisation  phase  (with  a 
cumulated estimated capacity amounting to 4,36 to 4,76 Bcm). The expected operation dates 
of these projects are not available. 

Greece 

For the time being, there are no storage facilities in the Greek natural gas system. The storage 
capacity is limited to the only existing LNG Terminal on Revithoussa Island, which features 
tanks with a capacity of 130.000 m3 of LNG, equivalent to approximately 0,08 Bcm. 

Baltic Sea Region 

Denmark  has  currently  two  operational  underground  gas-storages:  Lille  Thorup  (0,4  Bcm) 
and  Stenlille  (0,56  Bcm).  The  first  phase  of  the  extension  of  the  Lille  Torup  gas  storage 
(LTEGS) (0,2-1 Bcm) is under construction and is expected to be completed in 2013. The full 
capacity is expected to be made available in 2030. The new storage site in Tønder has been 
put on hold since 1997: a new gas pipeline from the gas producing fields in the North Sea to 
shore has been developed to assure gas security of supply without a new gas storage facility. 

Poland has seven gas storage facilities, of which two are included in Annex III of the TEN-E 
guidelines. The extension of the storage at Wierzchowice (additional capacity of 0,6 Bcm) is 
under construction and is expected to be completed in 2011/2012. The development of a new 
storage at Kosakowo – close to the LNG terminal at Swinoujscie – is also in the construction 
phase and is expected to be completed by 2013 (phase 1). Yet, the full capacity (0,25 Bcm) is 
expected to be made available in 2020. 

The  stability  of  natural  gas  supply  in  Latvia  is  currently  secured  by  the  underground  gas 
storage in Incukalns. The total volume of the storage is 4,4 Bcm, and the active volume 2,3 
Bcm.  The  development  of  further  underground  gas  storage  in  Dobele  district  is  being 
considered. 

Lithuania has no underground storage facility thus it uses services of such a storage located 
in Latvia. However the implementation of two storage projects in Lithuania is currently under 
consideration: the underground gas storage at Syderiai site is in the study/authorisation phase. 
The project is expected to be operational in 2015. It has been allocated a TEN-E grant in 2008 
amounting to a maximum of 2.000.000 €. The second storage project under study relates to an 
LNG  regasification  vessel  including  a  floading  storage  capacity  (up  to  2  Bcm).  The  project 
has been allocated a TEN-E grant in 2009 amounting to a maximum of 212.000 €. The project 
is foreseen to be completed by 2011. 

Underground gas storage in other Member States 

Austria 

The annex  III  of  the TEN-E  guidelines includes three  gas storage  projects in Austria which 
implementation is as follows. 

EN 

40 

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The extension of the existing gas storage at Puchkirchen, including pipeline to the Penta West 
system near Andorf (AT) is in operation. The capacity has been upgraded from 0,5 Bcm/y in 
2003  up  to  1,1  Bcm  to  date.  A  TEN-E  grant  amounting  to  a  maximum  of  €  2.912.000  has 
been allocated to this project. 

The  implementation  of  the  gas  storage  at  Haidach  (new  site,  including  pipeline  to  the 
European gas grid) is divided into two stages. The project is in operation (first phase) since 
2007  with  an  initial  capacity  of  1,2  Bcm.  The  second  stage  of  the  project  is  under 
construction, with a further 1,2 Bcm capacity. The project is expected to reach its full capacity 
in 2011. The total cost of the project is estimated to € 250 million. 

The underground gas storage at Baumgarten has been subject to a feasibility study supported 
under the TEN-E budget in 1996 and completed in 1998. However, this study did not lead to 
investment in this new gas storage capacity. 

Belgium 

The extension of the existing underground gas storage at Loenhout is under construction. The 
full capacity should be made available in winter 2010/2011. The project has been allocated a 
TEN-E  grant  in  1998  up  to  3.391.000  €.  The  total  cost  of  the  project  is  estimate  to  €  125 
million. 

Ireland 

The only storage facility currently in Ireland is the depleted South West Kinsale (SWK) gas 
field  which  has  been  converted  for  this  purpose.  It  has  a  working  volume  of  0,2  Bcm.  It 
mainly  operates  as  a  seasonal  storage  facility  but  can  also  accommodate  within-day  gas 
withdrawals and injections. There is potential for expansion of the storage facility. 

Main obstacles and/or reasons for delay reported: 

-  Complexity  of  legal  and  regulatory  framework  (numerous  authorisation  procedures  at 
different administrative levels: federal, regional, local); 

- Time-consuming permitting procedures (including the EIA report and negotiations with land 
owners); 

- Local opposition to the project (including environmental concerns); 

- Synchronisation of gas transmission grid upgrades; 

-  Technical/technological  constraints  (eg. 
anticipation of seismic risks during the construction phase); 

implementation  of 

innovative 

technology, 

- Possible delays of material/equipment deliveries; 

- Integration with other industrial activities and/or agriculture/ tourism activity in the site area; 

- Managing protected natural areas (including fauna and flora); 

- Financing sources scarcity and/or satisfying project progress within budget. 

EN 

41 

   EN 

 
NG6  Mediterranean Member States – East Mediterranean Gas Ring 

Projects of European interest 

Libya-Italy gas pipeline (Greenstream) 

The Greenstream pipeline transports natural gas from coastal facilities in Libya to Italy, via an 
offshore pipeline (Mellitah, LY – Gela, IT), with associated initial gas compressor station at 
Mellitah (LY) and a receiving terminal in Gela, Sicily Region (IT). The pipeline is 520 km 
long and entered into operation in 2004 with an initial capacity of 8 Bcm/y. At a second stage, 
its  capacity  has  been  further  extended  to  an  overall  maximal  capacity  of  11  Bcm/y.  Apart 
from  natural  barriers  and  technical  constraints,  no  major  complexity  elements  have  been 
reported regarding the project implementation. No TEN-E support has been allocated to this 
project. 

Priority projects 

Information on further priority projects under the priority axis NG615 is not available. 

Main obstacles and/or reasons for delay reported: 

- Technical/technological constraints; 

- Crossing existing infrastructures (eg tunnels, underwater pipelines etc); 

- Crossing natural barriers (eg. Mediterranean Sea); 

- Managing protected natural areas (including fauna and flora). 

2.2.2. 

Impact of the implemented cross-border connections 

NG1 

The  implementation  of  planned  TEN-E  projects  located  on  the  priority  axis  NG1  directly 
contributes to securing the supply routes from new and/or existing gas resources in Norway 
and Russia to Western Europe along the East-West axis. 

The Nord Stream pipeline will link Russian resources to the German gas network through the 
Baltic Sea with an initial capacity of 27,5 Bcm/y (2011) to be doubled up to 55 Bcm/y (2012). 
No gas field has been identified as the source for Nord Stream. It is envisaged that more than 
50 % of this gas is diverted from existing routes. The gas arriving through the Nord Stream 
pipeline will be transported through Germany onwards to neighbouring European countries. 
The main destinations will be Germany, Benelux countries and possibly France, Denmark and 
United Kingdom. 

The  implementation  of  the  Gas  Roundabout  in  the  Netherlands  (to  be  fully  operational  in 
2014-2015) will strengthen the Dutch transport capacity (pipelines, compressor stations, etc) 
so  that  it  can  fulfil  future  gas  transport  demands  to  other  countries  (United  Kingdom, 
Belgium, France) following the entrance into operation of the Nord Stream pipeline (Russian 

15 

TEN-E project n° 9.35 "Gas network from resources in the Middle East to the European Union" 

EN 

42 

   EN 

 
                                                 
resources).  One  of  its  landing  point  being  located  near  Rysum  (Germany)  where  a  larger 
Norwegian gas pipeline surfaces, the project will also allow securing Norwegian gas supply 
and contribute to the diversification of gas supplies. Some sections of the whole project such 
as  the  GWWL  pipeline  are  already  operational.  The  project  will  contribute  increasing  the 
transport  capacity  to  the  Dutch  entry  (up  to  31,8  Bcm/y)  and  exit  point  (up  to  12,5  Bcm/y) 
and  thus  allow  more  flexible  shipping  of  natural  gas  and  avoid  congestion  problems.  In 
addition, the project infrastructure is regarded to be sustainable in terms of the possibility of 
future  mixing  of  e.g.  Biogas  (Green  Gas).  The  BBL  pipeline  between  United  Kingdom  and 
the Netherlands is also operational with a capacity up to 8 Bcm/y. 

In  addition,  the  completion  of  the  following  LNG  terminals  respectively  in  Belgium 
(Zeebrugge, 9 Bcm) and United Kingdom (Isle of Grain, 7 Bcm) has increased the available 
gas  capacity  by  some  additional  16  Bcm  along  this  axis.  The  planned  construction  of  LNG 
terminals  in  Poland  (Swinoujscie,  5  Bcm)  and  the  extension  of  gas  storage  projects  in 
Belgium (Loenhout, capacity not available), Poland (Wierzchowice, 0,6 Bcm) and Denmark 
(Lille  Thorup  site,  0,2-1  Bcm)  will  potentially  bring  some  additional  5,8-6,6  Bcm  by  2014 
and thus will further enhance diversification16 of  gas supplies in the wide Northern Europe, 
provided the timely implementation of key cross-border interconnectors above-mentioned. 

NG3 

Connections  to  the  Caspian  and  Middle  East  natural  gas  to  the  EU  will  be  assured  by  the 
implementation of the ITGI pipeline and at a later stage Nabucco, the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline 
as well as the White Stream pipeline. 

The Greece – Turkey interconnector – as part of the ITGI pipeline – has been completed in 
2007  and  brings  an  additional  import  capacity  of  up  to  11  Bcm/y.  The  Greece  –  Italy 
interconnector  has  a  capacity  of  up  to  9  Bcm/y  and  is  expected  to  be  operational  in  2015. 
Based on the foreseen operation date of the Nabucco pipeline, this translates into an additional 
capacity close to 20 Bcm/y to be brought to the EU by 2015. 

NG2/NG6 

The implementation of several projects of European interest along the priority axes NG2 and 
NG6  directly  contributes  to  securing  gas  supply  from  North  Africa  resources.  In  particular, 
the commissioning of TRANSMED II pipeline in 2008 (first phase) with a capacity up to 6,5 
Bcm/y  permitted  to  increase  the  transport  capacity  from  Algerian  resources  to  Southern 
Europe Member States via Italy. The Greenstream pipeline transports natural gas from coastal 
facilities in Libya to Italy with a current capacity of 11 Bcm/y. The Medgas gas pipeline of 
which commissioning is expected to be completed in 2010 has a capacity of 8 Bcm/y. These 
connections represent an entry capacity of 15,5 Bcm/y. 

Downstream,  several  gas  interconnections  on  the  Larrau  branch  (Spain)  to  France  that  are 
under construction will further increase the cross-border transit capacity. They are foreseen to 
enter into operation end of 2012. In addition, a new compressor station in Navarra (Spain) is 
operational since end of 2009. These infrastructures will reinforce the Spanish gas system and 

16 

Though  they  are  not  included  in  the  list  of  TEN-E  projects,  the  planned  connections  of  the  LNG 
terminal  GATE  (Maasvlakte)  currently  under  construction  and  of  the  underground  gas  storage  in 
Alkmaar  to  the  Dutch  transport  gas  network  will  also  contribute  to  the  security  of  supply  by  making 
some further 13 Bcm available to the gas market. 

EN 

43 

   EN 

 
                                                 
thus create a bidirectional gas flow capacity between Spain and France with similar capacities 
in  both  directions,  whereas  the  Larrau  axis  was  initially  designed  to  allow  flows  in  the 
direction  France  to  Spain  for  the  capacity  associated  to  a  long  term  supply  contract  with 
Norwegian  gas  suppliers.  The  full  capacity  resulting  from  the  installation  of  this  new 
compressor  station  will  be  reached  after  the  completion  of  the  necessary  reinforcements  in 
France, expected by 2013. 

In  addition,  the  construction  of  the  Galsi  project  aiming  at  connecting  the  Algerian  gas 
resources to the Italian and European markets through a new route via Sardinia Island and the 
Italian  mainland  is  expected  to  start  in  2010/2011  and  the  pipeline  is  foreseen  to  be 
operational  end  of  2013.  The  pipeline  total  capacity  will  be  8 Bcm/y.  Connecting  Corsica 
Island to the Galsi system is currently under assessment by French authorities. 

NG4/NG5 

LNG  terminals  successfully  implemented  in  France,  Spain,  Portugal,  Italy,  Belgium  and 
United Kingdom make available natural gas from North Africa resources (and beyond) up to 
approximately  86  Bcm/y.  The  LNG  terminals  currently  in  construction  in  France  and  Italy 
will make gas available up to approximately 19 Bcm/y. 

In  addition,  the  implemented  gas  storage  facilities  in  France,  Austria  and  Ireland  can  make 
available  to  the  gas  markets  around  further  4  Bcm/y.  This  capacity  will  be  increased  by 
approximately  further  4  Bcm/y  after  the  entrance  into  operation  of  projects  currently  under 
construction in Austria, France, Poland, Italy and Belgium. 

2.2.3. 

Impact of implemented projects in isolated regions 

As regards Baltic States, Lithuania has no operational underground storage facility thus it uses 
services  of  such  a  storage  located  in  Latvia.  However  the  implementation  of  two  storage 
projects  in  Lithuania  is  currently  under  consideration.  These  projects  are  foreseen  to  be 
operational  in  2011  (floading  storage  capacity  up  to  2  Bcm)  and  2015.  Furthermore,  the 
development  of  an  underground  gas  storage  in  Latvia  (Dobele  disctrict)  is  under 
consideration. The implementation of the Baltic Interconnector Pipeline and Yamal-Europe II 
pipeline  is  currently  delayed.  No  major  connection  to  the  gas  transport  network  has  been 
completed in the last three years. 

As regards isolated islands, three LNG terminal projects (with a cumulated entry capacity up 
to 3,3 Bcm by 2012-2014) are currently developed in Cyprus (Vassilikos Energy Center) as 
well  as  in  the  Canary  Islands  (Spain).  These  projects  will  directly  contribute  to  enhancing 
diversification and security of supply in these regions. 

The construction of an LNG terminal in Madeira Island (Portugal) is under consideration. The 
project  is  in  the  study  phase  and  –  if  implemented  –  is  expected  to  be  operational  in  2014. 
This terminal would be the first LNG terminal in a peripheral region. Its possible capacity is 
still under consideration. 

Natural  gas  in  Malta  will  be  used  as  fuel  at  the  existing  and  new  Combined  Cycle  Gas 
Turbine  plants.  A  feasibility  study  was  to  be  undertaken  on  the  possibility  of  importing 
natural gas to Malta using a pipeline or LNG facilities. No further information is available on 
this LNG terminal project. 

EN 

44 

   EN 

 
The  implementation  of  an  LNG  terminal  in  Crete  (Greece)  is  delayed  since  an  alternative 
option  for  electricity  generation  has  been  developed.  The  project  is  currently  in  the  study 
phase and is foreseen to be operational in 2016. 

2.2.4.  Results achieved with regard to the objectives of the TEN-E policy 

The main achievements made in the electricity and gas sectors with regard to the four main 
objectives of the TEN-E policy are summarised below. 

(1) 

Encouraging  the  effective  operation  and  development  of  the  internal  energy 
market 

This  objective  was  at  the  start  of  TEN-E,  and  selected  projects  have  made  a  significant 
contribution in this area. 

The  implementation  of  missing  gas  interconnections  within  and/or  between  the  Member 
States as well as with third countries contributes to the efficient functioning of the internal gas 
market  in  the  EU  by  diversifying  supply  sources  and  increasing  sales  possibilities.  In 
particular, the gas interconnections under development – such as the reinforcement of Spanish 
and French networks as well as transport capacities in Central Europe, links interconnecting 
Northern  Europe  countries,  and  further  interconnections  to  new  and/or  existing  gas  supply 
sources – will help the EU facing the increasing demand for gas, the need for extra throughput 
and/or  distribution  capacity  and  will  contribute  solving  the  production  maximum  capacity 
bottlenecks. 

(2) 

Facilitating  the  development  and  reducing  the  isolation  of  less-favoured  and 
island regions 

The introduction of gas is currently under way in several isolated regions. In particular, three 
LNG terminal projects are currently developed in Cyprus and in the Canary Islands (Spain). 
Furthermore,  the  construction  of  an  LNG  terminal  in  Madeira  Island  (Portugal)  –  which 
would be the first LNG terminal in a peripheral region – is under consideration. In addition, 
three underground gas storage projects are under consideration in Lithuania and Latvia. These 
projects will contribute to enhancing diversification and security of supply in these regions.  

Yet,  the  implementation  of  other  TEN-E  gas  projects  in  isolated  regions  may  be  delayed 
following  the  development  of  alternative  solutions  for  electricity  generation  or  the  need  to 
undertake further feasibility studies. 

(3) 

Reinforcing the security of supply 

The  implementation  of  planned  TEN-E  projects  directly  contributes  to  diversifying  and 
securing the supply routes from new and/or existing gas resources in Norway, Russia, North 
Africa, South Caucasus and beyond, thanks to the development of further LNG terminals in 
the Mediterranean Sea Region as well as in Northern Europe. In particular, the development 
of gas interconnectors contribute to strengthening relations with third countries (either transit 
and/or supplier countries). In addition, the increasing use of gas reverse flow technology for 
new  and/or  existing  gas  interconnectors  within  and  between  the  EU  Member  States  will 
reinforce  the  security  of  supply  in  case  of  gas  supply  disruption  and  will  contribute  to  the 
diversification of supply routes. The security of gas supply in the EU is further reinforced by 
the increase of gas storage capacity in Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy and Poland.  

EN 

45 

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(4) 

Contributing to sustainable development and protection of the environment 

This  objective  has  been  introduced  in  2006  with  the  adoption  of  the  TEN-E  Guidelines 
currently in force. A few projects are currently being developed (such as the Gas Roundabout 
project  in  the  Netherlands)  to  allow  future  mix  of  Biogas  and  natural  gas  in  the  gas 
transmission network, and contributing thus to increase the share of renewable energies in the 
gas supply sources of the EU. 

2.3. 

Assessment on the main reported obstacles to projects implementation 

The  information  provided  in  regard  to  the  status  of  implementation  of  TEN-E  projects 
confirms  that  nearly  all  projects  experience  difficulties  in  the  implementation,  which  often 
cause  delays  in  the  planed  time  schedule.  Since  each  project  is  different  also  the  reported 
difficulties and obstacles vary from project to project. 

However, there are a number of obstacles that can be seen occurring time and again in many 
of  the  projects  irrespective  of  their  location  and  type.  The  obstacles  reported  are  related 
mainly to 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

legal and political framework including complexity of legal and regulatory framework 
and the lacking co-ordination and support on Member State, federal, regional and local 
level. 

particular  problems  of  the  chosen  route  such  as  crossing  densely  populated  areas, 
military  areas,  natural  barriers  or  existing  infrastructure,  managing  protected  natural 
areas as well as local opposition to the project; 

financial  and  technical  constraints  such  as  financial  sources  scarcity,  supply  chain 
price evolution or the risks of the implementation of innovative technology. 

The issues mentioned under (1) and (2) are described in more detail in this chapter since there 
are  common  obstacles  that  occur  in  many  Member  States  and  therefore  there  are  best 
practices that could be learnt from one Member State and applied elsewhere. 

Acceleration of authorisation procedures 

Obstacles 

One  of  the  greatest  obstacles  to  face  during  the  implementation  of  a  project  is  the 
unpredictable  length  of  authorisation  procedures.  From  the  point  of  view  of  the  project 
promoters  this  hinders  making  a  proper  planning  including  the  time  schedule  and  financial 
matters.  From  the  European  perspective  this  obstacle  means  that  the  projects  which  are 
needed to ensure e.g. security of supply may not be implemented in a timely manner. 

This  problem  is  exacerbated  in  cross-border  projects  by  the  differences  in  the  authorisation 
systems  resulting  in  different  timescales  and  delays  being  seen  at  different  points  in  the 
process on either side of the border. This obstacle is caused by both the lack of streamlining 
of authorisation procedures in Member States and the lack of specific and sufficiently detailed 
cross-border regulation. 

EN 

46 

   EN 

 
In many Member States project promoters have to apply for authorisations from a number of 
bodies  before  construction  can  begin.  For  each  type  of  authorisation,  the  project  must  be 
consulted on and go through different proceedings. 

The cause of delay is often local opposition to the project. It is absolutely necessary that the 
affected  citizens  should  be  given  the  opportunity  to  learn  about  all  the  impacts  of  a  project 
through  wide  consultation  and  then  to  register  their  objections  or  support.  This  is  normally 
achieved through the correct implementation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 
procedure.  However,  if  there  is  no  framework  or  structure  within  which  these  consultations 
and  responses  can  take  place  the  delay  to  a  decision  (whether  for  or  against  the  project) 
becomes potentially endless, especially when the authorisation applications have to be made 
to a number of bodies. 

Furthermore, there is often no deadline within which planning authorities have to examine a 
project (e.g. completeness of the necessary documents for the application) before the start of a 
consultation nor a deadline within which they have to make a decision once the consultations 
and examinations have been completed. 

Interventions 

Most, if not all, Member States are aware of these difficulties and some have begun to tackle 
them through various approaches. 

For example, in the United Kingdom, recent legislation17 has set a consultation period of 28 
days  before  the  application  is  made  (so  that  necessary  changes  can  be  made  before  it  is 
submitted for authorisation), the environmental impact assessment must then be submitted by 
the  local  authority  within  six  weeks  and  comments  on  this  received  within  21  days.  In 
addition,  the  legislation  has  set  a  deadline  (of  nine  months)  within  which  the  relevant 
authority,  in  this  case  the  Independent  Planning  Commission,  must  make  its  decision.  This 
cuts down uncertainty in two crucial areas and, even where the deadlines are missed, reasons 
for  this  and  a  new  timetable  must  be  publicised,  which  gives  some  certainty  to  the 
proceedings. This particular legislation is very new, however, and so its vulnerability to legal 
challenges (such as judicial review) and other practical problems has not yet been tested. 

One  advantage  of  this  system  is  that  only  one  authority  needs  to  give  their  authorisation 
thereby  simplifying  the  procedure  considerably.  Given  the  significant  problems  that  large, 
complex  infrastructure  projects  face  this  is  an  important  simplification  that  other  Member 
States have also attempted to implement. For example, in Portugal it is possible to assign a 
project  “national  interest”  status  which  then  means  that  it  only  needs  to  apply  for 
authorisation  from  one  body.  Similar  streamlining  processes  have  been  brought  in  by 
France18, Ireland19, Italy and Finland for large infrastructure. However, the legislation in the 
Member States does not define the projects of European interest per se as projects of national 
interest (see section on political support at national level). 

The implementation of one (central) authorising body within a Member State, at least for the 
cross-border  projects,  as  well  as  setting  of  even  modifiable  deadlines  could  streamline 

17 
18 
19 

The Planning Act 2009 
Réforme des permis de construire et des autres autorisations d'urbanisme, 2007 
Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 

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47 

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authorisation procedures considerably and contribute to more certainty for the planning of the 
projects. 

Political support at national level 

Obstacles 

The  difficulties  encountered  by  cross-border  projects  can,  to  some  extent,  be  alleviated  by 
good  coordination  between  the  authorities  on  either  side  of  the  border.  However,  such 
coordination does not always happen because there are not sufficient incentives for it. Cross-
border projects often have positive effects on a very large scale (national or even European) 
but the authorities examining the project are often local and therefore, understandably, do not 
take account of the wider benefits the project could offer. It could even happen that the costs 
have to be incurred in one region or Member State whilst the benefits occur in another region 
or Member States. 

The absence of national political support and strategic direction is particularly damaging for 
projects  that  have  European  importance.  Since  most  of  the  power  lines  or  pipelines  do  not 
create direct advantages for the regions they are crossing the local and regional actors often do 
not  hold  the  possible  wide  ranging  impacts  of  a  project  in  mind  as  much  as  the  local  and 
regional impacts. This can cause objections by the local or regional authorities regarding the 
necessity  of  the  projects  of  European  importance  that  can  substantially  delay  the 
implementation. This is an area where the European Coordinators have played an important 
role. 

However, projects of European interest are not yet prioritised by any Member State legislation 
or strategy and so cannot automatically use any of the measures brought in by those Member 
States looking to streamline their authorisation procedures for projects of national interest. 

Interventions 

In Germany, recent legislation has given a very strong national direction for the development 
of electric power lines. The Power Line Expansion Act (Energieleitungsausbaugesetz) has set 
out the 24 corridors where power line expansion projects have been designated as urgent to 
complete  to  meet  the  goals  set  out  in  the  Energy  Industry  Act,  meaning  that  the  planning 
authorities can not object the necessity of those power lines. 

Other  Member  States,  for  example  United  Kingdom20  and  Denmark21,  have  a  more  general 
approach to the definition of the national policy. In all cases, this national policy is consulted 
on  publicly  and  debated  by  the  parliament  before  being  enacted.  This  ensures  that  the 
justification  for  the  project  is  present  so  that  it  is  only  the  project  details  that  have  to  go 
through the full authorisation procedures, avoiding lengthy debate on the need for the project 
at all. Indeed, in Denmark, the Minister for Environment is obliged to veto municipal plans 
that do not comply with the national planning strategy. 

Strong  political  support  at  the  national  level  is  an  effective  way  to  alleviate  this  obstacle 
because  it  is  useful  to  have  agreed  the  necessity  for  the  project  as  a  whole  before  the 

20 
21 

National Infrastructure Policy Statements 
An Overview of national interests in municipal planning is published every four years by the Minister 
of Environment. 

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48 

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consultations  on  its  geographical  and  technical  details,  as  well  as  its  specific  environmental 
impacts, begin. 

Nevertheless for the sake of ensuring that the infrastructure projects which are co-financed by 
the European Union are implemented in timely manner it is indispensable that these projects 
have the same legal status in the Member States as the projects of national interest. 

3. 

EUROPEAN UNION FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

Energy  infrastructure  projects  are  implemented  by  Transmission  System  Operators  (TSOs). 
Depending  on  the  total  cost  of  a  project,  the  main  financing  sources  (as  direct  investment 
needs) for the implementation of such projects are: 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

TSOs’ own resources (amounting to approximately 20-100 % of the total investment 
required, depending on the scale of the overall investment); 

Bank  loans  (eg.  Commercial  banks,  European  Investment  Bank,  European  Bank  for 
Reconstruction  and  Development):  These  loans  may  amount  to  an  average  of 
approximately 40-80 % of the total investment required; 

EU  co-financing:  TEN-E  annual  Programme,  European  Economic  Programme  for 
Recovery  (2009-2010),  Structural  Funds,  ENPI  (or  previous  instruments  such  as 
PHARE, etc) and RTD Framework Programme; 

Partnerships  with  companies  active  in  the  gas  and  power  sector  (possibly  other  than 
TSOs). 

Member  States  in  most  cases  do  not  participate  directly  in  financing  projects  of  trans-
European  energy  networks  since  these  projects  are  mostly  implemented  by  Transmission 
System Operators’ (TSO) and the costs are recovered through the regulated tariffs according 
to the users-pay principle. 

Further  information  on  EIB  loans  and  EU  co-funding  sources,  in  particular  regarding  the 
functioning of the TEN-E funding Programme, is described below. 

3.1. 

European Investment Bank (EIB) loans 

Since  the  start  of  the  trans-European  networks  initiative  in  the  1990s,  trans-European 
networks in the energy sector remain an important lending priority for the EIB. 

The  EIB  loans  related  to  energy  infrastructure  cover  projects  included  in  the  guidelines  for 
trans-European energy networks22 as well as energy infrastructure projects which are not but 
comply with the criteria as specified in Annexes I and II of the TEN-E guidelines. The EIB 
loans signed in the period 2007-2009 amount to € 2.561 million for the electricity sector and € 
3.407 million for the gas sector. The EIB has invested € 100 million as an equity investment 
in  the  Marguerite  Fund,  with  an  approximate  allocation  of  25-35%  for  TEN-E.23  In  total, 

22 

23 

The TEN-E guidelines considered in this paragraph and Table 4 are those published in 1996 for projects 
supported in 2002 and those published in 2003 for projects supported in 2003 and beyond 
Approximate  allocation  to  TEN-T:  30-40%,  Renewables:  35-45%.  The  actual  allocation  depends  on 
suitable investment opportunities. 

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49 

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15,4% of the total amount was awarded to projects of European interest, 18,2% was awarded 
to  priority  projects,  15  %  to  projects  of  common  interest  and  about  25,6  %  to  other  TEN 
projects  not  listed  in  the  Annex  III  of  the  TEN-E  guidelines  but  located  on  priority  axis  as 
defined in Annexes I and II of the TEN-E guidelines (see Tables A1 and A2). For 25,7% the 
loans were allocated to a set of projects of various TEN priority levels. These loans supported 
large  cross-border  projects  (electricity  interconnectors,  gas  supply  pipelines),  expansion 
and/or reinforcement of transmission networks including storage and LNG terminals. 

Table 3 – EIB signed loans for energy infrastructure of trans-European interest in the period 
2007-2009 (M€) 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2007-2009 

Electricity (amounts) 

TEN Projects of European interest 
TEN Priority projects 
TEN Projects of common interest 
Other TEN projects 
Loans allocated to a set of projects of 
various TEN priority levels  

Gas (amounts) 

TEN Projects of European interest 
TEN Priority projects 
TEN Projects of common interest 
Other TEN projects 
Loans allocated to a set of projects of 
various TEN priority levels  

TOTAL AMOUNTS 

TEN Projects of European interest 
TEN Priority projects 
TEN Projects of common interest 
Other TEN projects 
Loans allocated to a set of projects of 
various TEN priority levels 

0 
140 
16,1 
558 
150 

185 
160 
255 
0 
0 

185 
300 
271 
558 
150 

90 
140 
300 
0 
163 

50 
375 
183 
642 
574 

140 
515 
483 
642 
737 

600 
0 
144,45 
0 
260 

0 
275 
0 
337 
371 

600 
275 
144 
337 
631 

690 
280 
460,55 
557,86 
572,5 

235 
810 
438 
979 
945 

925 
1090 
898,55 
1536,86 
1517,5 

The  loans  allocated  may  cover  one  or  several  interconnections  and/or  linked  projects. 
Therefore, it may not be possible to link amounts published to a specific TEN-E project. Yet, 
the  EIB  loans  allocated  per  project  are  specified  in  Tables  A3-A6  (see  Annexes)  where 
possible. 

3.2. 

TEN-E funding Programme 

The TEN-E funding represents in most cases a rather limited share (0,01 – 1 %) of the total 
investment  required  for  the  implementation  of  projects  of  the  trans-European  energy 
networks.  The  main  role  of  the  TEN-E  co-financing  is  to  act  as  a  catalyst  to  lever  other 
investment sources and/or to facilitate the implementation of the project through the TEN-E 
label. 

TEN-E Programme execution in 2007-2009 

The total TEN-E budget in the financing period 2007-2013 is € 155 million, of which € 69,5 
million for the period 2007-2009. The annual amount available varies between € 20 and 25 
million. Diagram 4 (see below) indicates the evolution of the TEN-E budget in relation with 
the number of proposals received and supported under the TEN-E budget in the period 2007-
2009. 

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Diagram 4 – Evolution of the TEN-E budget in relation with the number of proposals received 
and supported under the TEN-E budget in the period 2007-2009 

Diagram 4 - Evolution of the TEN-E budget in relation 
with the number of proposals received and supported 
under the TEN-E budget in the period 2007-2009

45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0

2007

2008

2009

Proposals received

Proposals funded

TEN-E Budget (M€)

From  2007  to  200924, the  Commission received  96  applications for TEN-E funding, 5125 of 
which  have  benefited  from  financial  support:  31  concerned  electricity  projects  and  20  gas 
projects.  Moreover,  14  out  of  51  funding  decisions  concerned  works  (11  in  the  electricity 
sector,  and  3  in  the  gas  sector);  the  other  funded  projects  were  related  to  studies.  Detailed 
information on the selection process is presented in Table 4. 

Table  4  –  Details  on  the  selection  results  for  awarding  TEN-E  funding  in  the  period  2007-
2009 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2007-2009 

Proposals received 

Electricity 

Gas 

Studies 
Works 

Studies 
Works 

Funding decisions issued 

Electricity 

Studies 
Works 

Studies 
Works 

32 

21 
16 
5 

11 
10 
1 

15 

10 
6 
4 

5 
4 
1 

26 

12 
9 
3 

14 
12 
2 

15 

7 
5 
2 

8 
7 
1 

38 

24 
17 
7 

14 
12 
2 

2126 

14 
9 
5 

7 
6 
1 

96 

57 
42 
15 

39 
34 
5 

51 

31 
20 
11 

20 
17 
3 

Gas 

24 

25 
26 

Detailed figures for years between 2002 and 2006 are available in the Report on the implementation of 
the TEN Financial Regulation in the period 2002-2006, COM(2008)770. 
The list of funded projects is available on: http://ec.europa.eu/ten/energy/studies/index_en.htm  
The preparation and/or the adoption of the individual decisions 2009 are ongoing. The figures indicated 
with regard to the number of funding decisions issued are thus provisional only. 

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In the period 2007-2009, support under the TEN-E budget line of a total amount of about € 
69,5 million was awarded. This amount was allocated for 42 % on the gas sector and 58 % on 
the electricity sector. Further, this amount has been allocated for 65 % on the co-financing of 
studies (up to 50 %) and for 35 % on the co-financing of works (up to 10 %). 

Detailed  information  on  TEN-E  commitments  in  the  period  2007-2009  is  presented  in 
Table 5. 

Table 5 – TEN-E commitments in the period 2007-2009 (amounts in K€) 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2007-2009 

TEN-E Budget available 

21.200,0 

22.260,0 

26.045,9 

69.505,9 

Global commitment 

21.200,0 

22.248,8 

26.034,3 

69.483,1 

Individual commitments (total) 

21.200,0 

22.248,8 

26.034,327 

69.483,1 

Electricity 

Gas 

Studies 
Works 

Studies 
Works 

15.175,5 
8.132,6 
7.042,9 

6.024,5 

4.024,5 
2.000,0 

9.781,6 
3.930,4 
5.851,2 

15.302,9 
10.639,5 
4.663,4 

12.467,2 

10.731,4 

9.648,2 
2.819,0 

8.799,6 
1.931,8 

40.260,0 
22.702,5 
17.557,5 

29.223,1 

22.472,3 
6.750,8 

In 2007, 100 % of the TEN-E budget could be committed. In 2008 and 2009, some 99,9 % of 
the TEN-E budget available has been respectively committed. 

Concerning the amount allocated to priority projects as defined in the 2006 TEN-E Guidelines 
and selected for funding in the period 2007-2009, close to 33 % of the allocated budget was 
awarded  to  projects  of  European  interest.  The  electricity  and  the  gas  networks  received 
respectively 73 % and 27 % of the amounts allocated to projects of European interest. About 
57 % of the total allocated budget was awarded to priority projects. The electricity and the 
gas sector received respectively 47 % and 53 % of the amounts allocated to priority projects. 
Last, the electricity and the gas sector received respectively 71 % and 29 % of the amounts 
allocated  to  projects  of  common  interest  (out  of  a  total  amounting  to  6.838.630  €,  which 
represents close to 10 % of the total allocated amounts in the period 2007-2009). 

Ex-post evaluation of the TEN-E programme (period 2000-2006) 

In 2008, the ex-post  evaluation of  the TEN-Energy programme 2000-2006 has  been  carried 
out for the Commission by independent experts. 

The  main  objectives  of  the  ex-post  evaluation  were  to  evaluate  the  impact  of  studies  and 
projects funded by the TEN-E Programme and to issue practical recommendations to improve 
the overall efficiency of the Programme. 

27 

The  preparation  and  adoption  of  the  TEN-E  individual  decisions  2009  are  still  ongoing;  the  figures 
specified are thus only indicative. 

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Conclusions of the evaluation: 

–  The TEN-E programme contribution to energy network developments has progressed over 
the survey period in both electricity and gas sectors; in particular, a much larger proportion 
of  co-financed  studies  resulted  in  construction  of  the  projects  in  the  second  half  of  the 
survey period (2004-2006) than in the first (2000-2003); 

–  In spite of clear limitations in terms of projects and costs coverage due to limited budget 
resources,  it  was  confirmed  that  TEN-E  co-financing  can  act  as  an  accelerator  and 
facilitator of projects implementation in both electricity and gas sectors. Further, it plays an 
important role especially for immature projects and risky studies; 

–  A  greater  focus  of  TEN-E  resources  on  eligible  projects  of  highest  priorities  would 

increase the programme impact; 

–  The  TEN-E  co-financing  has  stimulating  effects  regarding  authorisation  procedures.  The 
EU label has positive effects on projects prioritisation in national development schemes; 

–  TEN-E  grants  often  improve  cooperation  between  co-beneficiaries,  and  the  EU  label 

facilitates communication to and collaboration with third parties; 

–  There is a need for a better consistency between eligible projects as specified in the Annex 
III of the TEN-E guidelines and latest network development needs. Furthermore, a greater 
focus  of  TEN-E  resources  on  eligible  projects  of  highest  priorities  would  increase  the 
impact of the programme; 

–  Room  for  improvement  is  foreseen  in  terms  of  information  and  communication  with 
potential  beneficiaries  (e.g.  application  and  project  administration  processes),  the  use  of 
project monitoring tools and the diffusion of best practices on the handling of obstacles to 
project implementation, in particular concerning public acceptance issues. 

The  contractor  concluded  that  furthering  the  role  of  the  TEN-E  funding  programme  would 
require an assessment of TEN-E policy, TEN-E guidelines and selection process, in particular 
relative  to  the  acceptability,  utility  and  impact  criteria.  Therefore,  the  contractor  proposed 
further studies to be performed to specifically and fully address these issues. 

The recommendations made by the contractor will be further addressed in the revision of the 
TEN-E instruments to be tabled by the Commission in 2010. 

The  final  report  of  the  ex-post  Evaluation  of  the  TEN-E  Programme  (2000-2006)  has  been 
published on Europa28, except the second part of its annexes for confidentiality reasons. 

Anti-fraud measures 

In  order  to  prevent  fraud,  corruption  and  other  illegal  activities  detrimental  to  the  Union's 
financial  interests  in  the  context  of  TEN-E,  by  virtue  of  Council  Regulation  (Euratom,  EC) 
No 2185/96 and Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and the Council, 
and in conformity with Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No. 680/2007, the European Anti-Fraud 
Office  (OLAF)  may  carry  out  on-the-spot  controls  and  checks  in  accordance  with  the 

28 

http://ec.europa.eu/energy/evaluations/trans_european_energy_networks_en.htm 

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procedures  laid  down  by  Community  law.  Where  appropriate,  the  inspection  findings  may 
lead to recovery decisions by the Commission. 

3.3. 

European Economic Programme for Recovery 

The  basis  for  the  European  Energy  Programme  for  Recovery  (EEPR)  is  the  global  €200 
billion  European  Economic  Recovery  Plan  presented  by  the  Commission  on  26  November 
200829. Investments in energy interconnections were considered an important tool to support 
the  economic  recovery  and  to  respond  to  the  challenges  of  climate  change  and  security  of 
energy supply. The Plan was endorsed by the European Council in December 2008 where the 
Commission was invited to present a list of concrete energy projects. The EEPR Regulation30, 
which established the EEPR programme and its financing instrument, was adopted the 13 July 
2009 and entered into force the 1st August 2009. The EEPR Regulation proposed a significant 
Union  contribution  of  almost  €  4  billion  to  co-finance  specific  energy  projects  within  three 
sub-programmes:  gas  and  electricity  infrastructure  projects  (€  2.365  million),  offshore  wind 
energy projects (€ 565 million), and carbon capture and storage projects (€ 1.050 million). It 
is worth noting that it is the first time ever that the Union decided to dedicate such an amount 
to energy infrastructure projects. 

The  objectives  and  priorities  of  the  EEPR  Regulation  to  promote  and  develop  the  energy 
networks having the highest Union added value in support of the internal energy market and 
to  diversify  the  routes  and  the  sources  of  supply  are  the  same  as  those  established  in  the 
guidelines  for  trans-European  energy  (TEN-E)  networks.  Moreover,  the  majority  of  the 
interconnection  projects  selected  in  the  EEPR  Regulation  were  already  part  of  the  TEN-E 
networks and some received TEN-E funds to co-finance mainly feasibility studies. Therefore, 
the EEPR programme constituted a timely instrument to contribute to the expenditure related 
to  the  implementation  of  the  most  mature  TEN-E  projects  in  order  to  speed  up  and  secure 
investments and accelerate their construction in view of the economic crisis. 

Considering  the  gas  and  electricity  infrastructure  projects,  the  47  projects  selected  in  the 
EEPR Regulation include gas and electricity interconnections, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) 
terminals and gas storage facilities. In addition, it includes gas reverse flow projects with the 
specific objective of helping to prevent potential disruptions to the gas supply in the future. 
The  maximal  funding  rate  foreseen  is  50%  of  the  total  cost  of  the  projects  (including 
construction  works).  The  amounts  allocated  per  sub-sector  are  displayed  in  the  following 
table. 

Table 6 – EEPR funding allocated per sub-sector 

Electricity interconnections 

915.000.000 €

Gas interconnections 

1.255.000.000 €

Gas reverse flow projects 

80.000.000 €

29 

30 

Communication from the Commission to the European Council ‘A European Economic Recovery Plan’ 
COM(2008)800 
EEPR  Regulation  (EC)  N°663/2009  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  13  July  2009 
establishing a programme to aid economic recovery by granting Union financial assistance to projects 
in the field of energy (OJ L200, 31.7.2009) 

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Liquefied Natural Gas 

Gas storage facilities 

80.000.000 €

35.000.000 €

Further  details  on  the  implementation  of  the  EEPR  Regulation  will  be  available  in  the 
Commission report to the Council and the European Parliament on the implementation of the 
EEPR to be issued when reporting on the budget (April 2010). In addition, the financial aid 
allocated  to  TEN-E  projects  falling  within  the  scope  of  this  Implementation  Report  is 
specified in the description of these projects and/or in the annexed tables. 

According to Article 25(1) of the EEPR Regulation the Commission shall ensure that, when 
actions financed under this Regulation are implemented, the financial interests of the Union is 
protected  by  the  application  of  preventive  measures  against  fraud,  corruption  and  any  other 
illegal  activities,  by  effective  checks  and  by  the  recovery  of  amounts  unduly  paid  and,  if 
irregularities  are  detected,  by  effective,  proportionate  and  dissuasive  penalties.31  Other 
European Union financing sources 

3.3.1. 

Structural Funds 

Following the Community Strategic Guidelines on Cohesion 2007-2013,  being the  basis for 
preparing the content of operational programmes, investments from the European Regional 
Development  Fund  (ERDF)  in  the  energy  sector  should  be  directed  towards  ensuring 
security  of  supply  and  target  gas  and  electricity  interconnections,  especially  in  cases  of 
identified market failure. 

TEN-E  projects  in  the  gas  and  electricity  sector  have  thus  been  introduced  in  the  cohesion 
policy framework for 2007-2013 under the sector codes No 34 and 36. Allocations in those 
categories have been made in the respective Operational Programmes of four Member States, 
namely  Spain,  Greece,  Poland  and  Romania.  Further  information  per  Member  State  is 
described below. 

In  Spain,  some  55.012.432  €  have  been  allocated  to  TEN-E  projects  in  natural  gas  for  the 
period 2007-2013.Yet, the list of specific projects concerned is not available yet. 

In Greece some 58.745.000 € in the electricity sector and 71.150.000 € in the gas sector have 
been allocated to TEN-E priorities. Yet, the list of specific projects concerned is not available 
yet. 

As  regards  Poland,  the  TEN-E  projects  designated  to  be  supported  within  the  OP 
"Infrastructure  and  Environment"  address  the  most  urgent  needs  in  terms  of  Polish  and  EU 
energy policy – ensuring security of supply and, at the same time, the completion of the EU 
energy  internal  market.  Approximately  €  405,3  million32  was  allocated  to  support  TEN-E 
projects  included  in  the  Operational  Programme  Infrastructure  and  Environment  within 
priority X (see also table 7 for further details). The use of the allocation for these projects is 

31 

32 

In accordance with Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95, Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 and 
with Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 
Due  to  the  adding  of  the  LNG  terminal  to  the  list  of  projects  co-financed  by  the  progrramme,  the 
amount allocated to TEN-E projects may increase by up to € 250 million – meaning 24% of the total 
allocation of priority X. 

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however conditional upon their fulfilment of all merit and selection criteria set by the Polish 
Managing Authority as well as their approval by the EC. 

Table  7  –  Breakdown  of  co-financing  allocated  per  sector  within  priority  X  in  the  Polish 
Operational Programme "Infrastructure and Environment"* 

Electricity (TEN-E) 

Natural gas 

Natural gas (TEN-E) 

Petroleum products 

Renewable energy: wind, solar, biomass, hydro, geothermal 
* Total allocation for priority amounts to € 974,3 million 

21,2 %

39,9 %

20,4 %

15,7 %

2,8 %

Due to the fact that investments in traditional energy sources are in most cases considered as 
state aid, the possible level of EU support is limited. The co-financing level for this priority 
was set at a maximum of 57 %. Four TEN-E projects are being prepared for submission to the 
EC  in  the  2007-2013.  The  detailed  ERDF  co-financing  amounts  foreseen  for  the  above-
mentioned projects are indicated is Table 8. 

Table 8 – List of TEN-E projects foreseen to be supported within the OP "Infrastructure and 
Environment" for Poland 

TEN-E project 

Underground gas storage in Wierzchowice 

Underground gas storage in Mechelinki, Kosakowo 

LNG terminal in Swinoujscie 

Poland-Lithuania 
including the necessary reinforcement of the Polish electricity network) 

(connection  Elk-Alytus 

interconnection 

electricity 

Foreseen ERDF 
co-financing33 
€ 109 million 

€ 28 million 

€ 114 million 

€ 170 million 

For  the  period  2007-2013  the  Operational  Programme  "Increase  of  the  Economic 
Competitiveness" in Romania has allocated 95.771.306 € in order to support TEN-E projects 
through the European Regional Development Fund. However, no commitment has been made 
by now for any specific project as the list of the projects concerned is not available yet. 

The  Structural  Funds  (ERDF)  may  also  finance  infrastructure  projects  in  the  gas  and/or 
electricity sectors including interconnections which are relevant for the TEN-E, in Bulgaria, 
Cyprus,  Germany,  Greece,  Italy,  Lithuania,  Poland,  Portugal,  Romania,  Spain  and  United 
Kingdom under the sector codes "Electricity" and "Natural Gas" (respectively No 33 and 35). 
As an example, the ERDF for Bulgaria will allocate € 51 million34 for the construction of the 
Nis (Serbia) - Sofia (Bulgaria) gas interconnector35. 

33 

34 
35 

The  implementation  of  the  two  underground  gas  storage  projects  has  encountered  delays  due  to  the 
infringement  procedures  related  to  the  non  respect  by  Poland  of  the  gas  Directive  2009/73.  The 
approval  of  the  projects  by  the  EC  is  therefore  pending  upon  solving  of  the  infringement  cases  and 
issuing a state aid decision for the projects. 
The national participation foreseen amounts to € 9 million 
The agreement on this interconnector is expected in 2010 and works are foreseen to start in 2011/2012 

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The priorities defined for the Cohesion Fund (CF) are not relevant for energy infrastructure 
projects. 

3.3.2. 

IPA / ISPA instruments 

Currently  there  are  no  TEN-E  projects  financed  under  the  pre-accession  assistance 
instruments  (IPA/ISPA)  in  any  of  the  three  candidate  countries  (Croatia,  Turkey  and 
fYROM). 

3.3.3.  European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) 

Since 2007 EC assistance to the countries of the European Neighbourhood Policy is provided 
under  the  European  Neighbourhood  and  Partnership  Instrument  (ENPI).  It  is  designed  to 
financially  support  the  agreed  priorities  in  the  ENP  Action  Plans  (as  well  as  the  Strategic 
Partnership with Russia). 

EU  support  to  regional  energy  cooperation  in  the  Eastern  neighbourhood  countries  and 
Central  Asia  is  provided  through  the  INOGATE  programme,  which  has  its  secretariat  in 
Kiev with a branch office in Georgia (Tbilisi). The INOGATE programme is addressing the 
political priorities as defined under the Baku Initiative: 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

Converging energy markets on the basis of the principles of the EU internal energy 
market taking into account the particularities of the involved countries 

Enhancing  energy  security  by  addressing  the  issues  of  energy  exports/imports, 
supply diversification, energy transit and energy demand 

Supporting  sustainable  energy  development,  including  the  development  of  energy 
efficiency, renewable energy and demand side management 

(4) 

Attracting investment towards energy projects of common and regional interest. 

Besides,  the  INOGATE  Programme  also  supports  the  political  priorities  of  the  Eastern 
Partnership. 

Projects  supported  under  the  INOGATE  programme  mainly  involve  Technical  Assistance. 
The  programme  has  however  supported  a  number  of  projects  targeting  infrastructure 
development enhancing the security supply situation of the region and Europe. Notable for the 
TEN-E are: 

•  IFI  Technical  Assistance  Support  Fund  for  Facilitating  Investments  in  Energy 
Projects,  completed  in  May  2008,  €  2,62  million :  This  project  provided  technical, 
financial, legal and environmental expertise to energy Investments in Eastern Europe and 
the  Caucasus  with  a  view  to  preparing  sound  investment  projects  for  financing  by  IFIs. 
Support  was  provided  to  8  investment  projects  including  in  the  field  of  oil,  gas  storage 
facility, electricity, CNG, LPG terminal in Ukraine and Armenia as well as the feasibility 
Study for a Trans Caspian Black Sea Gas Corridor. 

•  Pre-investment project for the implementation of the Trans-Caspian - Black Sea Gas 
Corridor,  €  5  million:  Cooperation  via  Multi-Donor  Trust  Fund  with  World  Bank  and 
EIB  looking  into  possibilities  of  joint  purchasing  mechanism,  Caspian  Development 
Corporation (CDC), and for studies required before construction of infrastructure. 

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Other projects focus on regulation and legislative reforms as well as capacity building in the 
areas  of  internal  market  convergence,  sustainable  energy  and  energy  security  including  the 
enhancement  of  the  investment  environment.  Between  2002  and  2009,  the  EC  committed  a 
total  of  about  €  70  million  to  INOGATE,  under  the  Tacis  Regional  programme,  the  ENPI-
East regional programme and the DCI Central Asia regional programme. 

Support to energy cooperation in the South is led by the political dialogue held within the 
framework  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean  energy  cooperation.  Notably  at  the  5th  Euro-
Mediterranean  Energy  Ministerial  Conference  that  took  place  in  Limassol  a  Priority  Action 
Plan 2008-2013 for the Euro-Mediterranean cooperation in the field of energy was adopted. 
Furthermore  support  is  provided  contributing  to  the  objectives  of  the  Mediterranean  Solar 
Plan as one of the priority actions under the Union for the Mediterranean. 

The  project  support  under  the  regional  energy  cooperation  mainly  involves  technical 
assistance. Projects of importance to the TEN-E concern: 

•  Study  on  the  “Mediterranean  Electric  Ring"  that  was  launched  in  2000.  The  study 
aimed at analysing in detail the behaviour of the system as a whole; assessing the potential 
energy exchanges between the countries; proposing solutions to increase the reliability of 
the system; training experts and operators on system management and energy trading. An 
update of the study was carried out from July 2009 until February 2010; 

•  EAMGM  –  Euro-Arab  Mashreq  Gas  Market  Project:  The  Euro-Arab  Mashreq  Gas 
Market (EAMGM) The project is run by the Euro-Arab Mashreq Gas Cooperation Centre 
(EAMGCC), established in Damascus. The overall objective of this project is to contribute 
to the integration of the gas markets in the four beneficiary countries in order to create a 
regional gas market in the Mashreq, which would be a first step towards integration with 
the EU gas market. The project has contributed to the development of the Euro-Arab gas 
pipeline  with  pre-feasibility  studies,  network  analysis  and  a  regional  gas  Master  Plan.  A 
first  phase  of  the  project  was  finished  end  2009  involving  €  6  million  EU  co-finance.  A 
second phase (€ 5 million) will be launched in 2010. 

•  Paving  the  way  for  the  Mediterranean  Solar  Plan  (€  5  million):  This  is  an  upcoming 
project which is expected to start in the first half of 2010 for a period of three years. It will 
assist  the  partner  countries  in  establishing  favourable  conditions  for  the  development  of 
Renewable  energy  and  Energy  Efficiency  including  legislative  reforms,  institutional 
capacity, technological development and improvement of the business climate. 

Other projects in the field of regional energy cooperation in the South focus on regulation and 
legislative  reforms  as  well  as  capacity  building  in  the  areas  of  internal  market  convergence 
and sustainable energy. 

Energy infrastructure development could possibly also be financed through the ENPI Cross-
Border  Cooperation  (CBC)  programme  since  it  is  foreseen  that  support  for  CBC  on  the 
EU's external border will draw on funds from both the external and the internal headings of 
the  EC  budget.  This  is  an  important  innovation.  The  programmes  under  the  ENPI-CBC  are 
planned to receive € 1,18 billion between 2007 and 2013. 

Besides  regional  support,  the  EU  is  also  providing  support  to  the  neighbouring  countries 
through bilateral assistance. 

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3.3.4.  NIF / FEMIP 

The Neighbourhood Investment Facility (NIF) is an innovative financial mechanism aimed 
at mobilising additional funding to cover the investment needs of the Neighbouring region for 
infrastructures in sectors such as Transport, Energy, the Environment and Social issues (e.g. 
construction  of  schools  or  hospitals).  The  Facility  will  also  support  the  private  sector 
particularly through risk capital operations targeting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). 
It is intended to provide Community and Member States' grant support for lending operations 
led  by  European  multilateral  development-finance  institutions  and  by  bilateral  development 
finance institutions of the Member States. 

The  NIF  combines  2  sources  of  funding:  the  EC  Budget  and  Member  States'  direct 
contributions though the NIF Trust Fund. 

During  the  period  2007-2013,  the  Commission  intends  to  set  aside  a  total  amount  of  €  700 
million for the NIF. Regarding the NIF Trust Fund, Member States have pledged in 2008 and 
2009 € 47 million of additional contribution. 

The  NIF  has  supported  a  number  of  investments  that  are  relevant  to  the  TEN-E  and  the 
security of supply of the neighbourhood region and Europe in general. For example support is 
being  provided  to  the  Black  Sea  Energy  Transmission  allowing  the  link  between  the  power 
supply  systems  of  the  Southern  Caucasus  countries  with  Turkey  and  Europe.  Furthermore 
support has been granted to reinforcement of the electricity network in Ukraine improving the 
energy security and reliability in Ukraine while also contributing to regional integration in the 
field of energy, including cross-border links with the European Union. 

In  case  of  the  countries  of  the  South  and  Southeast  Mediterranean,  the  NIF  is  providing 
support  to  200  MW  Wind  Farm  project  in  the  Gulf  of  El  Zayt.  Furthermore,  the  NIF  is 
financing  a  feasibility  study  for  Concentrated  Solar  Power  in  Tunisia,  contributing  to  the 
Mediterranean Solar Plan as priority action under the Union for the Mediterranean. 

Furthermore, the European Union contributes with € 32 million per year (2007-2013) to the 
Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership (FEMIP), managed by the 
EIB.  The  facility  is  among  others  financing  a  study  on  the  Financing  of  Renewable  Energy 
Investments in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean region that will be presented in May 
2010. 

3.3.5.  Research and Development related Programmes 

The  European  Union  supports  the  electricity  grid  policy  through  ambitious  and  highly 
innovative  technology  development.  The  electricity  grid  receives  the  highest  priority  in  the 
Strategic Energy Technology plan36 of the EU. The electricity grid forms the centre piece of 
all European Industrial Initiatives of the Strategic Energy Technology plan. Since a few years 
the  electricity  grid  has  also  become  the  centre  piece  of  the  seventh  Research  Framework 
Programme (FP) and the "Intelligent Energy – Europe" (IEE) Programme. These programmes 
encourage  the  key  trans-European  energy  networks  objectives  such  as  an  increased  security 
and diversity of energy supply. In particular, these programmes both support projects related 
to  large  scale  electricity  storage  and  massive  market  penetration  of  large  scale  centralised 

36 

COM(2009)519 

EN 

59 

   EN 

 
                                                 
renewable electricity,  such as for example the  short term  construction  of 150 GW off-shore 
wind turbines in the North Sea (400 GW total). 

Under  the  7th  Framework  Programme37  (FP7),  more  than  EUR  50  million  of  EU  grants  has 
been allocated to several demonstration projects (up to commercial scale) and studies with the 
aim to support the strategic TEN-E dimension, as for example: 

–  SUSPLAN  –  Development  of  regional  and  Pan-European  guidelines  for  more  efficient 

integration of renewable energy into future infrastructures 

–  REALISEGRID  –  Research,  methodologies  and 

the  effective 
development  of  pan-European  key  GRID  infrastructures  to  support  the  achievement  of  a 
reliable, competitive and sustainable electricity supply 

technologies 

for 

–  IRENE-40 – Infrastructure roadmap for energy networks in Europe 

–  TWENTIES38 

–  EWIS – European Wind Integration Study 

–  SUPWIND – Decision Support for Large Scale Integration of Wind Power 

–  WINDGRID – Wind on the Grid: An integrated approach 

–  NORSEWIND – Northern seas wind index database 

–  DINEMO – Distribution Networks Modernization Incentives in Pre-accession Countries 

In  addition,  the  6th  Framework  Programme39  (FP6)  supported  the  GROW-DERS40,  IS-
POWER41 and VSYNC42 projects which include a TEN-E dimension as well. 

Last, the "Intelligent Energy – Europe" Programme43 supported projects like: 

–  GREENNET-INCENTIVES  –  Promoting  grid-related  incentives  for  large-scale  RES-E 

integration into the different European electricity systems 

–  RESPOND  –  Renewable  Electricity  Supply  interactions  with  conventional  POwer 

generation, Networks and Demand 

37 
38 

39 
40 
41 

42 

43 

Detailed information on FP7 projects can be found on http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/home_en.html 
This  project  aims  at  large  scale  demonstration  of  the  benefits  and  the  impacts  of  several  critical 
technologies required to consolidate the wind power generation into the European electricity system and 
to improve the pan-European transmission network 
Detailed information on FP6 projects can be found on http://cordis.europa.eu/fp6/projects.htm 
Grid Reliability and Operability with Distributed Generation using Flexible Storage 
This project aims at developing technical and regulatory frameworks for improving the performance of 
insular  energy  systems  (reliability  and  supply  guaranty)  and  for  making  easier  the  integration  of 
renewable energies and other distributed generation 
Virtual  synchronous  machines  for  frequency  stabilisation  in  future  grids  with  a  significant  share  of 
decentralized generation 
Further 
IEE 
information 
http://ec.europa.eu/energy/intelligent/index_en.html 

projects 

found 

can 

the 

on 

on 

be 

EN 

60 

   EN 

 
                                                 
–  TRADEWIND  –  Wind  Power  Integration  and  Exchange  in  the  Trans-European  Power 

Markets 

–  OFFSHOREGRID  –  Regulatory  Framework  for  Offshore  Grids  and  Power  Markets  in 

Europe: Techno-economic Assessment of Different Design Options 

–  WINDSPEED – SPatial Deployment of offshore WIND Energy in Europe 

EN 

61 

   EN 

 
Annexes 

Table A1: 

List of the electricity projects of European interest as specified in Annex I of 
the TEN-E Guidelines 

Table A2: 

List of the gas projects of European interest as specified in Annex I of the 
TEN-E Guidelines 

Table A3: 

State of implementation of projects of European interest in the electricity 
sector 

Table A4: 

State of implementation of projects of European interest in the gas sector 

Table A5: 

List of priority projects in the electricity sector finalised and under 
construction 

Table A6: 

List of priority projects in the gas sector finalised and under construction 

Table A7: 

List of cross-border projects in the electricity sector finalised and under 
construction 

Table A8: 

List of cross-border projects in the gas sector finalised and under construction 

Table A9: 

State of implementation of LNG projects as listed in the Annex III of the 
TEN-E Guidelines 

Figure A1: 

Progress of electricity projects of European interest – EL1, EL5 and EL6 

Figure A2: 

Progress of electricity projects of European interest – EL3 and EL9 

Figure A3: 

Progress of electricity projects of European interest – EL2, EL4 and EL8 
(partly) 

Figure A4: 

Progress of electricity projects of European interest – EL7 and EL8 (partly) 

Figure A5: 

Progress of gas projects of European interest – NG1 

Figure A6: 

Progress of gas projects of European interest – NG2 and NG6 

Figure A7: 

Progress of gas projects of European interest – NG3 

EN 

62 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
Table A1: List of the electricity projects of European interest as specified in Annex I of 
the TEN-E Guidelines44 

Priority axis 

Project of European interest title 

Ref. Annex III of 
TEN-E guidelines 

EL1 

EL2 

Avelin (FR) – Avelgem (BE) line 

Moulaine (FR) – Aubange (BE) line 

Lienz (AT) – Cordignano (IT) line 

New interconnection between Italy and Slovenia 

Udine Ovest (IT) – Okroglo (SI) line 

S. Fiorano (IT) – Nave (IT) – Gorlago (IT) line 

Venezia Nord (IT) – Cordignano (IT) line 

St. Peter (AT) – Tauern (AT) line 

Südburgenland (AT) – Kainachtal (AT) line 

Austria – Italy (Thaur-Brixen) interconnection through the Brenner rail 
tunnel 

EL3 

Sentmenat (ES) – Bescanό (ES) – Baixas (FR) line 

EL4 

EL5 

EL6 

EL7 

Valdigem (PT) – Douro Internacional (PT) – Aldeadávila (ES) line and 
‘Douro Internacional’ facilities 

Philippi (EL) – Hamidabad (TR) line 

Undersea cable to link England (UK) and the Netherlands 

Undersea cable to link Ireland and Wales (UK) 

Kassø (DK) – Hamburg/Dollern (DE) line 

Hamburg/Krümmel (DE) – Schwerin (DE) line 

Kassø (DK) – Revsing (DK) – Tjele (DK) line 

Vester Hassing (DK) – Trige (DK) line 

Submarine cable Skagerrak 4: between Denmark and Norway 

Poland  –  Lithuania  link,  including  necessary  reinforcement  of  the 
Polish  electricity  network  and  the  Poland-Germany  profile  in  order  to 
enable participation in the internal energy market 

Submarine cable Finland – Estonia (Estlink) 

Fennoscan submarine cable between Finland and Sweden 

Halle/Saale (DE) – Schweinfurt (DE) 

EL8 

Neuenhagen (DE) – Vierraden (DE) – Krajnik (PL) line 

Dürnrohr (AT) – Slavětice (CZ) line 

New interconnection between Germany and Poland 

2.2 

2.1 

2.16 

2.35 

2.36 

3.8 

3.9 

3.60 

3.61 

2.18 

2.10 

2.14 

4.9 

2.21 

1.1 

2.22 

3.48 

3.2 

3.2 

4.27 

2.29 

2.30 

2.15 

3.49 

2.28 

2.33 

2.32 

Veľký Kapušany (SK) – Lemešany (SK) – Moldava (SK) – Sajóivánka 
(HU) line 

2.26/3.75/3.76 

Gabčíkovo (SK) – Vel'ký Ďur (SK) line 

Stupava (SK) – south-east Vienna (AT) line 

EL9 

Electricity connection to link Tunisia and Italy 

3.77 

2.27 

4.25 

44 

OJ L 262, 22.9.2006, p. 1 

EN 

63 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
Table  A2:  List  of  the  gas  projects  of  European  interest  as  specified  in  Annex  I  of  the 
TEN-E Guidelines45 

Priority axis 

Project of European interest title 

Ref. Annex III of 
TEN-E guidelines 

NG1 

North European gas pipeline 

Yamal – Europe gas pipeline 

Natural gas pipeline linking Denmark, Germany and Sweden 

Increase in transmission capacity on the Germany – Belgium – United 
Kingdom axis 

NG2 

Algeria – Tunisia – Italy gas pipeline 

Algeria – Italy gas pipeline, via Sardinia and Corsica, with a branch to 
France 

Medgas gas pipeline (Algeria – Spain – France – Continental Europe) 

NG3 

Turkey – Greece – Italy gas pipeline 

Turkey – Austria gas pipeline 

NG6 

Libya – Italy gas pipeline 

9.3 

9.16 

7.24 

7.17 

9.34 

9.34 

9.6 

7.12/9.22 

7.16 

9.20 

45 

OJ L 262, 22.9.2006, p. 1 

EN 

64 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
Table A3: State of implementation of projects of European interest in the electricity sector 

I
I
I
x
e
n
n
A

.
f
e
R

6
0
0
2

)
6
0
0
2
(

s
i
x
A

s
e
i
r
t
n
u
o
C

  Project specification 
d
e
v
l
o
v
n
i

Sub-section/ 
routing/more 
specific title 

Known 
project 
status 
(March 
2010) 

Additional 
capacity 
(MVA) 

Length 
(km) 

(Indi-
cative) 
In 
opera-
tion 
date 

Delay 
on 
initial 
schedule 

Elements of 
complexity of the 
project 

EIB 
loan 
(M€) 

EEPR 
max 
con-
tribu-
tion 
(M€) 

TEN-E 
grant(s) 
allocated 
(€) 

Applica- 
tion for 
TEN-E 
grant 
(ref.) 

2.1 

EL1 

BE, FR  Moulaine (FR) - 

Aubange (BE) line 

2.2 

EL1 

BE, FR  Avelin (FR) - 

Avelgem (BE) line 

- 

- 

Construction 
phase 

400 

15 

2010 

na 

none 

Finalised 

1000-1500 

43 

21,5 

2005 

5 years 

Esti- 
mated 
total 
cost 
(M€) 

11 
(FR) 

2.16 

EL2 

AT, IT 

Lienz (AT) - 
Cordignano (IT) line 

- 

Pre-Study 
phase 

1000 

154 

140 

2015 

na 

2.18 

EL2 

AT, IT 

Austria - Italy (Thaur 
- Brixen) 
interconnect-tion 
through the Brenner 
rail tunnel 

- 

Study phase 

2x1000 
2x1500 

57-65 

300 

2025 

na 

4 

 na 

- 

- 

503.450 

E205/05 

1.005.900 

E191/04 

 na 

- 

82.500 
355.000 

E011/95 
E136/01 

 na 

- 

964.000 
449.500 

E158/02 
E202/05 

None. Additional delay 
(prolongation till June 
2011) will be needed 
for the financial and 
administrative closing 
of the project. The line 
is operational. Last 
works will be achieved 
on June 2010 

Increasing sensibility of 
population against new 
line projects, optical 
impact and EMF. A 
new optimised line 
routing is necessary 

Crossing the Alps, 
coordination and 
integration with 
Railway project 
(commissioning time, 
cost and risk 
synergies), network 
rationalisation outside 
the tunnel, use of 
HVDC or a new 
technology solution: 
gas insulated line (more 
references needed) 

EN 

65 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.35 

EL2 

IT, SI 

New interconnections 
between Italy and 
Slovenia 

Vrtojba - 
Redipuglia 
(110 kV); 

Study phase 

Dekani - Žavlje 
(110 kV) 

Divača - Italy 
(110 or 400 
kV) 
- 

2.36 

EL2 

IT, SI 

Udine Ovest (IT) - 
Okroglo (SI) line 

na 

na 

ca. 500 
MVA (110 
kV) or ca. 
1000 
MVA (400 
kV) 

20 km 

5 km 

20 
(110 
kV) 

Study phase 

1000-1500 

120 

80 

2018 

7 years 

3.8 

EL2 

IT 

S. Fiorano (IT) - 
Nave (IT) - Gorlago 
(IT) line 

- 

Finalised 

 na 

10 

10 

2003 

none 

3.9 

EL2 

IT 

Venezia Nord (IT) - 
Cordignano (IT) line 

now Venezia 
Nord (IT) - 
Volpago (IT) 

Study/ 
Authorisation 
phase 

1000 

75 

25 

2014 

 na 

Previous project has 
been deleted, now 
identification of new 
projects in 110 kV or 
400 kV voltage levels 
between: Vrtojba – 
Redipuglia, Dekani - 
Zavlje  

Difficult identification 
of the cross border 
points between Italy 
and Slovenia (two 
possible crossing 
points), highly 
populated area on 
Italian side, definition 
of the routing: 35% of 
SI territory is devoted 
to Natura 2000 
programme, opposition 
of local population: 
EMF, landscape view, 
pre-condition on SI 
side: completion of 
Berecevo-Krsko line 
and interconnection to 
HU, need to enhance IT 
grid 
The reconstructing of 
the line Fiorano - Nave 
was stopped because 
the real-time 
monitoring system on 
the line Fiorano-Robbia 
improved the capacity. 
The route Nave -
Gorlago was rebuilt on 
10 km due to an 
archeological site 
Consultation with local 
authorities ongoing 

 na 

- 

- 

- 

 na 

- 

467.630  

E194/04 

 na 

- 

- 

- 

 na 

- 

- 

- 

EN 

66 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Opposition of local 
population: EMF, 
landscape view, 
protected birds and 
bugs, forest trees may 
be cut in defined 
seasons, difficult terrain 
None, project is under 
construction 

3.60 

EL2 

AT  

St. Peter (AT) - 
Tauern (AT) line 

380-kV-
Salzburgleitung 
Tauern - 
Salzach neu 

Authorisation 
phase 

1800 

115 

380 

2017 

na 

3.60 

EL2 

AT  

St. Peter (AT) - 
Tauern (AT) line 

3.61 

EL2 

AT  

2.10 

EL3 

ES, FR 

2.14 

EL3 

ES, PT 

Süd-Burgenland 
(AT) - Kainachtal 
(AT) line 
Eastern Pyrenees 
connection between 
France and Spain 

Valdigem (PT) - 
Douro Internacional 
(PT) - Aldeadavila 
(ES) line and 'Douro 
Internacional' 
facilities 

380-kV-
Salzburgleitung 
Salzach neu - 
St. Peter 
 - 

Sentmenat (ES) 
- Becano (ES) - 
Baixas (FR) 
line 

400 kV Douro 
interconnection 
Aldeadávila 
(ES) - Lagoaça 
(PT) 

Authorisation/ 
Construction 
phase 

2 x 1525 

46 

70 

2011 

na 

Finalised 

1800 

98 

146 

2009 

na 

None 

Authorisation/ 
Construction 
phase (re-
routing for 
some part) 
Construction 
phase 

 na 

257 

104,8 

2010-
2013 

na 

3210 

204 

88 

2010 

na 

Local population 
opposition, natural 
protected areas 

Technical constraints, 
local Natura 2000 sites 
in the cross-border 
point area, local 
political concerns 

4.9 

EL4 

EL, TR 

Philippi (GR) - 
Hamitabat (TR) line 

 - 

Finalised 

2x1400 
1x1200 
(EL) 

220 

70 

2008 

none 

na 

2.21 

EL5 

NL, UK 

Submarine cable 
between South-
Eastern England and 
central Netherlands 

1.1 

EL6 

IE, UK 

Submarine cable 
Ireland-Wales (UK) 

Netherlands - 
UK 
Interconnector 
Project 
(BritNed cable) 
(Isle of Grain 
in Kent (UK) - 
Maasvlakte 
(NL)) 

East-West 
interconnector, 
Co. Wicklow - 
North Wales 

Construction 
phase 

1000 

260 

600 

2011 

none 

Authorisation 
phase 

370 

135 

244 

2013 

none 

Technical constraints, 
commercial and 
regulatory 
complexities, cross-
border cooperation 

Finance/ credit 
problems, technology, 
permits/ planning 
issues, short run 
financed, non-existence 
of long run contracts, 
seasonal restrictions on 
marine activity 

 na 

- 

2.660.400  

E217/06 

yes 

90 

na 

- 

- 

- 

843.600 
1.228.200 

E184/04 
E256/09 

1.462.900  

E228/07 

220.000  
394.150  

E035/96 
E118/00 

na 

50 

1.807.650  

E196/05 

na 

na 

- 

- 

195.000  
350.000  

E106/99 
E129/00 

500.000  
2.053.000  
2.000.000  
800.000  
1.625.000  
1.000.000  
1.028.585  
2.669.000  
1.075.000  

E044/96 
E117/00 
E132/01 
E155/02 
E160/03 
E190/04 
E197/05 
E212/06 
E262/09 

na 

- 

- 

- 

EN 

67 

EN 

 
  
1.1 

EL6 

IE, UK 

Submarine cable 
Ireland-Wales (UK) 

Meath (IE) - 
Deeside (UK-
Wales) 

Authorisation 
phase 

520 

256 

600 

2012 

none 

2.15 

EL7 

FI, SE 

Connections north of 
the Gulf of Bothnia 
and Fennoscan 
submarine cable 
between Finland and 
Sweden 

Fennoscan 
subsea cable 
between 
Finland and 
Sweden 

2.22 

EL7 

DE, DK  Reinforcement of 

- 

connections between 
Denmark and 
Germany, e.g. the 
Kasso - Hamburg 
line 

Construction 
phase 

800 

300 

300 

2011 

1 year 

Authorisation 
phase 

3500 

215 

na 

2018 

na 

300 

110 

350.000  
610.000  
2.000.000  

E097/99 
E193/04 
E226/07 

na 

- 

75.000  
75.000  
120.750  
475.000  

E002/95 
E005/95 
E114/00 
E209/06 

na 

- 

150.000  

E099/99 

Finance/Credit 
problems, technology, 
permits/Planning 
issues, short run 
financed, non-existence 
of long run contracts, 
seasonal restrictions on 
marine activity 

Time consuming permit 
process (environmental 
permits): Swedish 
water-rights, delays 
experienced by the 
cable suppliers to 
deliver the cable 
according to the 
original time schedule 
Densely populated 
area: numerous land 
owners. Foreseeing a 
very large amount of 
wind power to be 
transmitted between 
DE and DK. Time 
schedule for grid 
reinforcement and 
extension depends on 
dynamics of wind farm 
installation onshore and 
offshore with 
connection to grid in 
Schleswig-Holstein as 
well as on the 
development of grid 
integration of new 
power plants in the 
northern part of the 
E.ON Netz control 
zone 

EN 

68 

EN 

 
  
2.29 

EL7 

PL, LT 

Poland - Lithuania 
link (Elk - Alytus) 

Connection of 
Poland and 
Lithuania, 
enabling the 
participation of 
the Baltic 
States in the 
internal energy 
market 

Study phase 

1000 

154-
156 

261 

2015-
2020 

none 

2.30 

EL7 

EE, FI 

2.30 

EL7 

EE, FI 

Submarine cable to 
link Finland and 
Estonia (Estlink) 

Submarine cable to 
link Finland and 
Estonia (EstLink 2) 

Estlink 

Finalised 

350 

105 

110 

2006 

na 

EstLink 2 

Authorisation 
phase 

650 

165-
170 

300 

2014 

na 

3.2 

EL7 

DK 

Connections on the 
Danish north-south 
axis  

Vester Hassing 
(DK) - Trige 
(DK) line 

Construction 
phase 

900 

114 

160 

2014 

na 

3.2 

EL7 

DK 

Connections on the 
Danish north-south 
axis  

Kasso (DK) - 
Revsing (DK) - 
Tjele (DK) line 

Authorisation 
phase 

2000 

180 

200 

2014 

na 

Rights of the land 
(population density), 
technical constraints, 
natural protected areas. 
Additional 
reinforcements in the 
Polish internal grid are 
necessary before the 
connection between 
Poland and Lithuania 
Weather conditions  

Parallel planning 
process in two 
countries: difficult 
public procurement 
procedures. 
Complicated general 
economic situation: 
investments into grid 
reinforcements are 
limited and higher risk 
involved in 
subcontracting. Positive 
development in market 
opening in Baltic 
countries necessary. 
Processes for receiving 
different permits 
(cross-border project) 
and different 
environmental aspects. 
Depends on other 
projects especially 
between DK and DE 
(e.g. Kasso-
Hamburg/Dollern and 
Skagerrak IV) and wind 
power allocation, 
difficult acceptance 
from land owners, 
restructuring period of 
authorities 
Public acceptance for 
OHL, natural protected 
areas 

na 

- 

1.900.000  
2.366.508  

E243/08 
E263/09 

na 

- 

670.000  

E095/99 

na 

100 

- 

-  

na 

- 

- 

-  

na 

- 

1.498.000  

E253/09 

EN 

69 

EN 

 
  
3.48 

EL7 

DE 

Hamburg/Krümmel 
(DE) - Schwerin 
(DE) line 

Authorisation/ 
Construction 
phase 

2x1800 

90 

85 

2010 

1 year 

3.49 

EL7 

DE 

Halle/Saale region 
(DE) - Schweinfurt 
region (DE) line 

4.27 

EL7 

DK 

Upgrading of 
connections between 
Denmark and 
Norway 

2.26 

EL8 

HU, SK  Moldava (SK) - 
Sajoivanka (HU) 

Section 1 
(Lauchstaedt - 
Vieselbach) 
Section 2 
(Vieselbach - 
Altenfeld) 
Section 3 
(Altenfeld - 
Border 
Bavaria) 
Section 4 
Skagerrak 4 

now Rimavská 
Sobota (SK) - 
Sajóivánka 
(HU) (see 
project 2.25) 

Authorisation 
phase/ 
Finalised  

2x2400 

205 

350 

2013 

3 years 

Authorisation 
phase 

700 

260 

375 

2014 

none 

Cancelled 

2x1385 

11 

60 

2017 

na 

na 

- 

- 

-  

na 

100 

290.000  

E224/07 

na 

- 

856.000  

E266/09 

na 

- 

- 

- 

Opposition from local 
population: routing, 
fear of EMF, 
deterioration of 
landscape view, 
perception of supra-
regional or European 
perspectives is low, 
time-consuming public 
consultation 
procedures, numerous 
stakeholders, special 
requirements on 
detailed documentation 
by state authority in 
Schleswig-Holstein 
Managing the different 
administrative areas 
crossed by the projects 
(three Federal States of 
Germany), 
authorisation 
procedures, technical 
constraints and use of 
new technology, public 
acceptance, crossing 
large wooden areas 
Difficult terrain 
conditions for cable 
landing (subsea), 
technical constraints 
and innovative 
technology solutions to 
be investigated 

Through environmental 
problems on the 
Hungarian side this  
interconnection is not 
feasible 

EN 

70 

EN 

 
  
  
 
2.27 

EL8 

SK, AT 

Stupava (SK) - south-
east Vienna (AT) line 

- 

Cancelled 

1400 

50 

80 

> 2015 

na 

2.28 

EL8 

DE, PL  Neuenhagen (DE) - 

Uckermark/Vierraden 
(DE) - Krajnik (PL) 
line 

2.28 

EL8 

DE, PL  Neuenhagen (DE) - 

Vierraden (DE) - 
Krajnik (PL)) 

2.32 

EL8 

DE, PL  New connections to 
link the UCTE and 
CENTREL systems 

Conversion of 
existing 220-
kV double 
circuit line into 
a 400-kV line 
together with 
phase shifting 
transformers 
installation on 
400 kV lines: 
Krajnik (PL) - 
Vierraden (DE) 
and Mikulowa 
(PL) - 
Hagenwerder 
(DE) 
New 
connection 
including 
upgrading of 
the PL grid 
according to 
connection as 
in the 
Vierraden (DE) 
- Krajnik (PL) 

New 
interconnection 
between 
Germany and 
Poland 

Study/ 
Authorisation 
phase 

na 

125 

439+ 
47 

2015 

na 

Study phase  

na 

65 

260 

2015 

na 

Study phase 

na 

na 

 na 

>2015 

na 

Depends on 
strengthening the 
Austrian grid from 
north to south. High 
number of lines in the 
region of Vienna. Level 
of EMF. Protected area 
and wildlife. Priority 
given in AT to other 
projects 
Study phase: depends 
on strengthening the 
Polish grid according to 
the development 
studies and results of 
PL - DE bilateral WG 
study 
Poland states:Problems 
in financing, necessary 
substantial support 
from EU 

Legal frame on DE-side 
prevents relevant 
expropriations for the 
interconnection. Study 
phase: depends on 
strengthening the 
Polish grid according to 
the development 
studies and results of 
PL-DE bilateral WG 
study. 
Poland states: Problems 
in financing, necessary 
substantial support 
from EU 
 na 

na 

- 

- 

- 

na 

- 

283.000  

 E199/05 

na 

- 

- 

- 

na 

-  

- 

- 

- 

- 

2.33 

EL8 

AT, CZ  Dürnrohr (AT) - 

Finalised 

900 

96 

9 

2008 

na 

none 

- 

- 

Slavetice (CZ) line 

EN 

71 

EN 

 
  
  
Construction 
phase/ 
Finalised 

2x1662 

43 

60 

2011 

none 

No major problems 
encountered so far 

na 

- 

1.039.034  

E272/09 

3.75 

EL8 

SK 

Lemesany (SK) - 
Moldava (SK) 

3.76 

EL8 

SK 

Lemesany (SK) - 
Vel'ky Kapusany 
(SK) 

First phase: 
2x400 kV line 
Moldava (SK) - 
Switching 
substation 
Košice (SK) 
Second phase: 
2x400 kV line 
Switching 
substation 
Košice (SK) – 
Lemešany (SK) 
 - 

3.77 

EL8 

SK 

Gabcikovo (SK) - 
Vel'ky Dur (SK) line 

 - 

Authorisation 
phase 

2x1385 

93 

100 

2022 

11 years  No major problems 

na 

Study phase 

2x1385 

110 

86,3 

2017 

na 

Negotiation with land 
owners, permitting 
procedures 

na 

- 

- 

210.000  

E242/08 

- 

- 

4.25 

EL9 

IT, 
Tunisia 

Electricity 
connection to link 
Tunisia and Italy 

- 

Authorisation 
phase 

1000 

350 

500-
700 

2015 

na 

encountered. 
Environmental Impact 
Assessment 
successfully 
accomplished.  
Project is associated 
with other investments 
in Slovak transmission 
grid and therefore its 
realisation is/could be 
postponed 
Need of increase 
investments on the HV 
grid in Sicily and 
Calabria Regions. Need 
to increase generation 
capacity in Tunisia. At 
this aim, a generation 
project called 
“ELMED” (1200 MW) 
based on a mix between 
conventional and RES 
will be realised. 

na 

- 

- 

- 

EN 

72 

EN 

 
  
Table A4: State of implementation of projects of European interest in the gas sector 

Project 
specification 

Sub-section/ 
routing/more 
specific title 

Known 
project 
status 
(March 
2010) 

Additional 
capacity 
(Bcm/y) 

Length 
(km) 

Estima-
ted 
total 
cost 
(M€) 

(Indica-
tive)  
In 
operation 
date 

Delay 
on 
initial 
schedule 

Elements of 
complexity of the 
project 

EIB 
loan 
(M€) 

EEPR 
max 
con-
tribu-
tion 
(M€) 

TEN-E 
grant(s) 
allocated 
(€) 

Applica- 
tion for 
TEN-E 
grant 
(ref.) 

G157/08 
(NL) 
G163/09 
(DE) 

Construction 
phase 

Entry= 
31,8 
Exit= 12,5 

400 

1156 

2010 

na 

500 

- 

2.819.004 

1.587.056  

Lengthy permitting 
procedures (incl. EIA 
report), protected 
natural areas, crossing 
natural barriers, 
escalation of contractor 
pricing caused by 
limited capacity and 
increasing costs of 
energy 

Finalised 

na 

110 

350 

2007 

na 

Nothing reported 

na 

- 

362.825  

G108/04 

Finalised 

8 

230 

500 

2006 

na 

Protected natural areas 
(re-routing needed) 

na 

- 

- 

- 

I
I
I
x
e
n
n
A

.
f
e
R

6
0
0
2

)
6
0
0
2
(

s
i
x
A

7.17 

NG1 

s
e
i
r
t
n
u
o
C

d
e
v
l
o
v
n
i

DE, 
NL, 
UK 

7.17 

NG1 

7.17 

NG1 

DE, 
NL, 
UK 

DE, 
NL, 
UK 

Eemstunnel 
Rysum-
Midwolda (part 
of North-South 
project 
Rysum/Oude 
Statenzijl - 
Zelzate/‘s-
Gravenvoeren, 
NL) 

GWWL pipe 
line 
(Grijpskerk-
Workum-
Wieringermeer 
lijn) 

Bacton (UK) - 
Balgzand (NL) 

Interconnecting 
pipelines 
between United 
Kingdom, the 
Netherlands and 
Germany, 
linking the main 
sources and 
markets of North 
West Europe 

Interconnecting 
pipelines 
between United 
Kingdom, the 
Netherlands and 
Germany, 
linking the main 
sources and 
markets of North 
West Europe 
Interconnecting 
pipelines 
between United 
Kingdom, the 
Netherlands and 
Germany, 
linking the main 
sources and 
markets of North 
West Europe 

EN 

73 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.17 

NG1 

DE, 
NL, 
UK 

7.17 

NG1 

DE, 
NL, 
UK 

7.17 

NG1 

7.17 

NG1 

DE, 
NL, 
UK 

DE, 
NL, 
UK 

Interconnecting 
pipelines 
between United 
Kingdom, the 
Netherlands and 
Germany, 
linking the main 
sources and 
markets of North 
West Europe 

Interconnecting 
pipelines 
between United 
Kingdom, the 
Netherlands and 
Germany, 
linking the main 
sources and 
markets of North 
West Europe 

Interconnecting 
pipelines 
between United 
Kingdom, the 
Netherlands and 
Germany, 
linking the main 
sources and 
markets of North 
West Europe 
Interconnecting 
pipelines 
between United 
Kingdom, the 
Netherlands and 
Germany, 
linking the main 
sources and 
markets of North 
West Europe 

Authorisation 
phase 

>10 

100 

300 

2014 

na 

Authorisation 
phase 

>10 

100 

300 

2015 

na 

Construction 
phase 

12 

80 

191 

2011 

na 

Extension of 
transport 
capacity from 
Emden / OSZ 
(German 
border) to 
Balgzand 
(interconnector 
to the UK) - 
Integrated 
Open Season 
Gasunie (NL) 
PART I 
Extension of 
transport 
capacity from 
Emden / OSZ 
(German 
border) to 
Balgzand 
(interconnector 
to the UK) - 
Integrated 
Open Season 
Gasunie (NL) 
PART II 
LNG West: 
Connection 
LNG terminal 
GATE towards 
CS 
Wijngaarden 

Construction 
phase 

Pipeline 
Ommen- 
Ravenstein 
towards 
Belgium border 

20 

180 

550 

2012 

na 

na 

- 

- 

- 

na 

- 

- 

- 

na 

- 

- 

- 

na 

- 

- 

- 

Lengthy permitting 
procedures (incl. EIA 
report), protected 
natural areas, crossing 
natural barriers, 
escalation of contractor 
pricing caused by 
limited capacity and 
increasing costs of 
energy 

Lengthy permitting 
procedures (incl. EIA 
report), protected 
natural areas, crossing 
natural barriers, 
escalation of contractor 
pricing caused by 
limited capacity and 
increasing costs of 
energy 

Lengthy permitting 
procedures (incl. EIA 
report), protected 
natural areas, crossing 
natural barriers, 
escalation of contractor 
pricing caused by 
limited capacity and 
increasing costs of 
energy 
Lengthy permitting 
procedures (incl. EIA 
report), protected 
natural areas, crossing 
natural barriers, 
escalation of contractor 
pricing caused by 
limited capacity and 
increasing costs of 
energy 

EN 

74 

EN 

 
  
7.17 

NG1 

7.17 

NG1 

7.17 

NG1 

7.24 

NG1 

9.3 

NG1 

9.16 

NG1 

DE, 
NL, 
UK 

DE, 
NL, 
UK 

DE, 
NL, 
UK 

DE, 
DK, 
SE 

RU, 
DE 

DE, 
PL, 
BL 

Interconnecting 
pipelines 
between United 
Kingdom, the 
Netherlands and 
Germany, 
linking the main 
sources and 
markets of North 
West Europe 
Interconnecting 
pipelines 
between United 
Kingdom, the 
Netherlands and 
Germany, 
linking the main 
sources and 
markets of North 
West Europe 

Interconnecting 
pipelines 
between United 
Kingdom, the 
Netherlands and 
Germany, 
linking the main 
sources and 
markets of North 
West Europe 
The Baltic gas 
interconnect-tor 
between 
Denmark - 
Germany - 
Sweden 

North European 
gas pipeline: 
Russia, Baltic 
Sea, Germany 

Yamal - Europe 
II natural gas 
pipeline 

UGS Alkmaar 
– Bergermeer 
connection 
(Pipeline and 
10 MW 
compression) 

Integrated 
Open Season 
Gasunie 
Germany 
(Pipelines and 
25 MW 
compression 
station) 

Ravenstein 
(NL) - Vinkel 
(BE) 

Authorisation 
phase 

4 

2 

60 

2013 

na 

Authorisation 
phase 

12 

100 

450 

2014 

na 

na 

- 

- 

- 

na 

- 

- 

- 

Lengthy permitting 
procedures (incl. EIA 
report), protected 
natural areas, crossing 
natural barriers, 
escalation of contractor 
pricing caused by 
limited capacity and 
increasing costs of 
energy 
Lengthy permitting 
procedures (incl. EIA 
report), protected 
natural areas, crossing 
natural barriers, 
escalation of contractor 
pricing caused by 
limited capacity and 
increasing costs of 
energy 

Finalised 

na 

na 

na 

2003 

na 

Nothing reported 

na 

- 

- 

- 

Baltic gas 
interconnector 
(BGI) 

Authorisation 
phase 
completed 

3 

200 
(off-
shore) 

300 

na 

3 years 

Nord Stream 
(offshore 
section) 

Authorisation 
phase 

27,5 
(2011) 
55 (2012) 

1220 

7400 

2012 

na 

 - 

Pre-study 
phase 

43 

680 

1500 

na 

na 

Diversity of 
authorisation 
counterparts in 
Germany, time-
consuming procedures; 
implementation delayed 
due to considerations 
for linking Nord Stream 
to the Swedish gas 
pipeline network 
Protected natural areas, 
opposition of some 
Member States in the 
Region (eg. Sweden) 

Lack of interest from 
potential partners, 
studies not yet started 

na 

- 

1.750.000  

G051/99 

na 

na 

- 

- 

- 

- 

924.500  

G103/04 

EN 

75 

EN 

 
  
Table A5: Priority projects in the electricity sector finalised and under construction 

x
e
n
n
A

.
f
e
R

6
0
0
2

I
I
I

)
6
0
0
2
(

s
i
x
A

s
e
i
r
t
n
u
o
C

d
e
v
l
o
v
n
i

Finalised 

Project specification 

Sub-section/ routing/ more 
specific title 

Addi-
tional 
capacity 
(MVA) 

Length 
(km) 

Esti- 
mated 
total cost 
(M€) 

(Indica-
tive)  
In 
operation 
date 

EIB loan 
(M€) 

EEPR 
max 
contri-
bution
(M€) 

TEN-E 
grant(s) 
allocated 
(€) 

Application 
for TEN-E 
grant (ref.) 

2.5 

EL1 

DE, FR 

Vigy (FR) - Uchtelfangen (DE) line 

- 

3.58 

EL1 

BE 

Installation of phase shifters and/or capacitor 
batteries in Belgium 

Different locations 

2.6 

2.7 

EL2 

FR 

La Praz (FR) phase transformer 

- 

EL2 

FR, IT 

Further increase of capacity through existing 
interconnection between France and Italy 

Phase shifter in Rondissone 

3.14 

EL2 

IT 

IT 

Rizziconi (IT) - Feroleto (IT) - Laino (IT) line 

Turbigo (IT) - Rho (IT) - Bovisio (IT) line 

- 

- 

EL2 

3.6 

4.1 

EL2 

IT, CH 

New interconnection Italy - Switzerland  

San Fiorano (IT) - Robbia 
(CH) line 

1400 

196 

2.11 

EL3 

ES, PT 

Connections between northern Portugal and north-
western Spain 

Cartelle-Lindoso II 

2.12 

EL3 

ES, PT 

Sines (PT) - Alqueva (PT) - Balboa (ES) line 

- 

2.9 

EL3 

ES 

2.9 

EL3 

ES, FR 

New trans-Pyrenean interconnection between 
France and Spain 

New trans-Pyrenean interconnection between 
France and Spain 

Vic phase shifter 

Hernani-Argia (upgrade) 

2.9 

EL3 

FR, ES  

New trans-Pyrenean interconnection between 
France and Spain 

Cantegrit-Mougerre (220kv)-
(Arkale) 

2.9 

EL3 

ES, FR 

New trans-Pyrenean interconnection between 
France and Spain 

2.9 

EL3 

ES, FR 

New trans-Pyrenean interconnection between 
France and Spain 

EN 

Installation of a 225 kV 
phase displacement 
transformer at the Pragneres 
substation (FR) 
Pirineo connection substation 
electricity line; Restructuring 
of the network around Baixas 

76 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

 na 

na 

31 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

550 
(FR-ES) 

na 

57 

13 

23 

80 

40 

77 

na 

39 

na 

na 

na  

na 

2002 

na 

2002 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2005 

2004 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

2004 

na  

2002 

2002 

2002 

1998 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

1997 

na 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

230.000 

E085/98 

2.000.000 

E219/07 

344.200 

E098/99 

 - 

 - 

296.300 

E090/98 

 - 

 - 

249.000 

E135/01 

- 

- 

125.000 
538.500 
- 

E064/97 
E065/97 
-  

- 

- 

- 

- 

100.000 

E068/97 

140.000 

E027/95 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.18 

EL3 

ES 

New connections on the North axis of Spain 

New connections on the Mediterranean axis of 
Spain 
New connections on the Mediterranean axis of 
Spain 
New connections on the Mediterranean axis of 
Spain 
New connections on the Galicia (ES) - Centro (ES) 
axis 
New connections on the Centro (ES) - Aragon (ES) 
axis 
New connections in Andalucia (ES) 

Picote (PT) - Pocinho (PT) line (upgrading) 

Pego (PT) - Batalha (PT) line and Batalha facilities 

Sines (PT) - Ferreira do Alentejo (PT) I line 
(upgrading) 
Pereiros (PT) - Zêzere (PT) Santarem (PT) lines 
and Zêzere facilities 
Batalha (PT) - Rio Major (PT) I and II lines 
(upgradings) 

Carrapatelo (PT) - Mourisca (PT) line (upgrading) 

Valdigem (PT) - Viseu (PT) - Anadia (PT) line 

Boimente - ln/Aluminio-
Puentes I y II 

La Eliana - La Plana II 

Litoral - Rocamora II 

Nueva Escombreras - El 
Palmar 
Cartelle - ln/ Castrelo-Velle 

Trillo - Magallón 

Pinar - Estrecho II 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

3.19 

EL3 

3.19 

EL3 

3.19 

EL3 

3.20 

EL3 

3.21 

EL3 

3.25 

EL3 

3.28 

EL3 

3.30 

EL3 

3.31 

EL3 

3.33 

EL3 

3.34 

EL3 

3.35 

EL3 

3.36 

EL3 

3.43 

EL3 

ES 

ES 

ES 

ES 

ES 

ES 

PT 

PT 

PT 

PT 

PT 

PT 

PT 

ES 

Connections in the north-east and west of Spain, in 
particular to connect to the network wind-power 
generation capacities 

Magallón - ln/ Serna-
Peñaflor 

3.43 

EL3 

ES 

3.43 

EL3 

ES 

3.43 

EL3 

ES 

Connections in the north-east and west of Spain, in 
particular to connect to the network wind-power 
generation capacities 

Connections in the north-east and west of Spain, in 
particular to connect to the network wind-power 
generation capacities 

Connections in the north-east and west of Spain, in 
particular to connect to the network wind-power 
generation capacities 

Santurce - Zierbana 

Cartelle - Trives II 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na  

na 

na 

 na 

 na 

350 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

2003 

2003 

2003 

na 

na 

na 

101 

22,2 

2007 

150 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

 na 

na  

11 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

4 

18 

3 

28 

5,4 

4 

28 

na 

2002 

2002 

2002 

2004 

2006 

2005 

2004 

2003 

2005 

2006 

2002 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

2002 

na 

na 

na 

2003 

na 

Meson - Cartelle II 

na 

na 

na 

2003 

na 

3.38 

EL4 

EL 

Thessaloniki (EL), Lamia (EL) and Patras (EL) 
substations and connecting lines 

Thessaloniki X substation 

na 

na 

4,5 

2008 

na 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-  

- 

- 

 - 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-  

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

347.630 

E150/02 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1.194.720 

E171s/03 

- 

 - 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

EN 

77 

EN 

 
  
na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

- 

- 

na 

44 

32 

2007 

na  

3.39 

EL4 

EL 

Connection of the regions of Evia (EL), Lakonia 
(EL) and Thrace (EL) 

3.40 

EL4 

EL 

Strengthening of existing connections of the 
peripherical regions in the mainland in Greece 

4.20 

EL4 

BG, TR 

4.3 

EL4 

EL, 
FYROM 

Connections in the Black Sea Electricity Ring: 
Russia – Ukraine – Romania – Bulgaria – Turkey – 
Georgia  
Meliti* (EL) - Bitola (Former Yugoslav Republic 
Of Macedonia) line  

Expansion of the 400 kV 
System to the area of Thrace 
with the construction of the 
400 kV OHL (double circuit) 
Filippoi – N. Santa and the 
400 kV OHL connection the 
Systems of Greece and 
Turkey (see Project 4.22) 
Enhancement of the 
connection of the island of 
Corfu to the mainland 

Maritsa East 3 - Hamitabat 

na 

 *The project has substituted 
the initially scheduled OHL 
Amyntaio – Bitola 

4.6 

4.6 

4.6 

EL4 

BH 

EL4 

BH 

EL4 

BH 

Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina) substation and 
connecting lines 
Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina) substation and 
connecting lines 
Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina) substation and 
connecting lines 

Kakanj - Prijedor 

Mostar - Gacko 

Mostar - Sarajevo 

4.6 

EL4 

BH 

Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina) substation and 
connecting lines 

Tuzla - Visegrad 

4.7 

EL4 

HR, BH 

Ernestinovo (Croatia) substation and connecting 
lines 

Ernestinovo - Ugljevik 

EL4 

HR, FRY  Ernestinovo (Croatia) substation and connecting 

Ernestinovo - Mladost 

4.7 

4.7 

4.8 

EL4 

HR 

EL4 

GR 

4.8 

EL4 

EL, AL, 
BG, 
FYROM 

lines 
Ernestinovo (Croatia) substation and connecting 
lines 
New connections between Greece and Albania, 
Bulgaria and the Former Yugoslav Republic of 
Macedonia 
New connections between Greece and Albania, 
Bulgaria and the Former Yugoslav Republic of 
Macedonia 

Ernestinovo - Zerjavinec 

Florina Amyndeo / 
Amyntaio 

OHL Stip – C. Mogila 
(FYROM – Bulgaria) 

650 

na 

na 

18 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na  

24 

2002 

5 (GR) 

2007 

1 

4 

7 

4 

11 

11 

2 

na 

50 

2003 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2003 

2003 

2003 

2003 

2009 

3.41 

EL6 

IE  

Tynagh (IE) - Cashla (IE) line 

- 

3.53 

EL6 

UK 

3.54 

EL6 

UK 

Connections in the North-West of the United 
Kingdom 
Island Magee-Coylton (MOYLE) 

Isle of Man Submarine link 

- 

na 

na 

na 

na 

33 

2003 

105 

na 

410 

225 

2000 

2002 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

125.000 

E059/96 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

685.000 
550.000 

435.000 
1.015.000 
- 

E069/97 
E084/98 

E043/96 
E071/97 
- 

EN 

78 

EN 

 
  
2.23 

EL7 

SE, DK 

Reinforcement of the connections between 
Denmark and Sweden 

na 

4.13 

EL7 

PL 

Connections for the Baltic Electricity Ring: 
Germany - Poland - Russia - Estonia - Latvia - 
Lithuania - Sweden - Finland - Denmark - Belarus 

Dobrzen- Wielopole 

4.14 

EL7 

FI, RU 

Southern Finland - Russia link 

Kymi-St.Petersburg II 

4.15 

EL7 

SE, NO 

New connections between North Sweden and North 
Norway 

4.17 

EL7 

NO 

3.65 
3.67 

4.12 

EL8 
EL8 

EL9 

PL 
PL 

ES, MA 

4.22 

EL9 

GR, IT 

Borgvik (SE) - Hoesle (NO) - Oslo region (NO) 
line 
Ostrów (PL) - Trębaczew (Rogowiec) (PL) 
Tarnów (PL) - Krosno (PL) 

Submarine cable between South Spain and 
Morocco (strengthening of existing connection) 
New connections in the Mediterranean Electricity 
Ring: France – Spain – Morocco – Algeria – 
Tunisia – Libya – Egypt – near-eastern Countries – 
Turkey – Greece - Italy 

Reinforcement of the 
existing connection and a 
new transformer was 
installed in Grundfos, 
Sweden 
Oslo West Line 

 - 
 - 

i.a. Estrecho-Melloussa II 

Ipiros-Puglia 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 
na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

110 
75 

31 

na 

35 

46 

300 - 
1000 
na 

na 

95,3 
25 

69,2 

na 

2006 

2003 

na 

2004 

2005 

2008 
2006 

2006 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 
na 

na 

2002 

100 

4.11 

NL, NO 

Eemshaven (NL) - Feda (NO) link  

NorNed cable 

na  

na 

565 

2007 

na 

4.19 

HU 

Connections and interface between the extended 
UCTE system and Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, 
including relocation of HVDC conversion stations 
operating previously between Austria and Hungary, 
Austria and the Czech Republic, and Germany and 
the Czech Republic 

4.29 

HU, RO 

Békéscsaba (HU) - Oradea (RO) 

4.7 

HR 

Ernestinovo (Croatia) substation and connecting 
lines 

Construction phase 

Györ-Szombathely 

na 

89,9 

60 

2006 

na 

Now Békéscsaba (HU) - 
Nadab(RO) - Arad(HU) as 
due to problems with land 
owners a small part between 
Nadab and Oradea could not 
be constructed 
Szombathely-Hévíz 
interconnection (HU) 

na 

na 

18,5 

2008 

na 

na 

77,8 

47 

2009 

na 

3.4 

EL1 

FR 

New connections in south-western France 

Upgraded 400 kV and 225 
kV lines 

na 

na 

na 

2014 

na 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

 - 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

240.000 

E055/96 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

637.500 
1.127.000 
- 

E003/95 
E131/01 
E191/04 

1.500.000 
4.215.000 
3.000.000 

E052/96 
E088/98 
E198/05 

- 

- 

435.000 
1.580.000 

E203/05 
E237/07 

691.250 
2.000.000 

E208/06  
E238/07 

- 

- 

EN 

79 

EN 

 
  
  
  
  
  
2.31 

EL2 

SI 

Installation of flexible alternating current 
transmission systems linking Italy and Slovenia 

Phase Shift Transformer - 
PST, Divača Substation - 
400 kV, 2x600 MVA 

2x600 

- 

52,8 

2012 

21,5 

2.7 

EL2 

FR, IT 

Further increase of capacity through existing 
interconnection between France and Italy 

 - 

600 

200 

102-114 

2012 

na 

FR, IT 

New interconnection between France and Italy 

Piossasco (IT) - Cornier (FR) 

600 

100 (IT) 

na 

2.8 

3.12 

3.13 

1.6 

1.9 

EL2 

EL2 

EL2 

EL3 

EL3 

IT 

IT 

IT 

ES 

Tavarnuzze (IT) - Casellina (IT) line 

Tavarnuzze (IT) - S. Barbara (IT) line 

Tavernuzze - Casellina - 
Santa Barbara 
 - 

Submarine cable Sardinia (IT) - Italy Mainland 

 - 

New connections in the Balearic and Canary 
Islands (ES) 

Electrical connection by 
submarine cable between the 
Balearic Islands and the 
Spanish peninsular network 
Sentmenat - Bescano - Vic 

Portimão (PT) - Tavira (PT) 
- P. Gusman (ES) - Guillena 
(ES) line and Tavira facilities 
(400 kV South 
interconnection Guillena 
(ES) - Tavira (PT)) 
Cantabrian Sea: Penagos - 
Gueñes electricity line 
Cantabrian Sea: Soto - 
Penagos electricity line 

Tordesillas-San Sebastian de 
los Reyes 
Trives-Tordesillas 

2.10 

EL3 

ES 

2.13 

EL3 

ES, PT 

Eastern Pyrenees connection between France and 
Spain 

Connection between southern Portugal and south-
western Spain 

3.18 

EL3 

3.18 

EL3 

3.20 

EL3 

3.20 

EL3 

3.20 

EL3 

3.20 

EL3 

ES 

ES 

ES 

ES 

ES 

ES 

3.43 

EL3 

ES 

3.43 

EL3 

ES 

New connections on the North axis of Spain 

New connections on the North axis of Spain 

New connections on the Galicia (ES) - Centro (ES) 
axis 
New connections on the Galicia (ES) - Centro (ES) 
axis 

New connections on the Galicia (ES) - Centro (ES) 
axis 
New connections on the Galicia (ES) - Centro (ES) 
axis 

Arcos-Cabra 

Cabra-Guadame 

Connections in the north-east and west of Spain, in 
particular to connect to the network wind-power 
generation capacities 
Connections in the north-east and west of Spain, in 
particular to connect to the network wind-power 
generation capacities 

Abanto - ln/ Penagos - 
Güeñes 

Abanto - Zierbana 

 na 

na 

1000 

400 

37 

35 

420 

250 

120 

120 

750 

419,3 

2012 

2010 

2010 

2010 

2011 

na 

na 

na 

2010 

1860 

301 

90,9 

2011 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

150 

178 

46 

79,9 

2010 

2011 

380,8 

103,62 

2010 

476,6 

150,8 

2011 

289,2 

86,4 

148 

36,8 

2010 

2010 

36,4 

11,5 

2011 

10,4 

3,6 

2010 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na  

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

50 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1.054.400  

E268/09 

588.000  

E183/04 

- 

- 

- 

- 

87.500  

E014/95 

725.000  

E181/04 

856.000  

E161/03  

- 

- 

- 

- 

150.000 

E023/95 

90.000 
55.000 

E025/95 
E076/97 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-  

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

EN 

80 

EN 

 
  
3.38 

EL4 

EL 

Thessaloniki (EL), Lamia (EL) and Patras (EL) 
substations and connecting lines 

3.39 

EL4 

EL 

Connection of the regions of Evia (EL), Lakonia 
(EL) and Thrace (EL) 

4.8 

EL4 

EL, AL, 
BG, 
FYROM 

New connections between Greece and Albania, 
Bulgaria and the Former Yugoslav Republic of 
Macedonia 

3.1 

EL7 

DK 

4.15 

EL7 

SE, NO 

4.16 

EL7 

SE, NO 

PL 

SI 
FR, ES, 
MA, DZ, 
TN, LY, 
EG, TR, 
EL, IT 
EL 

3.64 

3.72 
4.22 

EL8 

EL8 
EL9 

1.2 

1.8 

Connections on the Danish east-west axis: 
connection between Denmark's western (UCTE) 
and eastern (NORDEL) networks 
New connections between North Sweden and North 
Norway 

New connections between Mid Sweden and Mid 
Norway 
Ostrów (PL) - Plewiska (PL) 

Krsko (SI) - Bericevo (SI) 
New connections in the Mediterranean Electricity 
Ring: France – Spain – Morocco – Algeria – 
Tunisia – Libya – Egypt – near-eastern Countries – 
Turkey – Greece - Italy 

Connection of southern Cyclades (EL) (to the 
Interconnected System) 

IT 

Connection Italy mainland - Sicily (IT): doubling of 
the connection Sorgente (IT) - Rizziconi 

2.34 

MT 

Submarine electricity connection to link Malta 
(MT) and Sicily (IT) 

4.31 

HU, HR 

Pécs (HU) - Ernestinovo (HR) 

New Thessaloniki (Lagadas) 
EHV Substation (Air 
Insulated Substation - AIS) 

150 kV OHL Polypotamos – 
S. Evia and 150 kV OHL and 
submarine cables 
Polypotamos - N. Makri 
(Attica) 
Zlatitsa-Karlovo-Plovdiv 

Great Belt sea cable from 
Funen to Sealand 

Järpströmmen-Nea 

 na 

- 

- 
 na 

 na 

2 x 202 

80 

43 

2010 

na 

na 

73 

42 

2011 

na 

na 

na 

15 

2010 

na 

600 

26+32 

169 

2010 

na 

na 

na 

1000 
na 

na 

na 

145 

80 
na 

66 

66 

71,3 

62 
55 

2010 

2010 

2010 

2013 
2009 

na 

na 

na 

na 

29,3 (tbc) 
na 

na 

na 

300 

2014 

na 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

New 380 kV AC submarine 
cable between Sicily - 
Continental Italy (Sorgente - 
Rizziconi) 

Extension of the onshore 
network (MT) to the 
submarine electricity 
interconnector Italy-Malta 
- 

2000 

104 

700 

2013 

200 

110 

250 

14 

10 

2012 

na 

500 

86,4 

43,6 

2010 

na 

5 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-  

- 

- 

- 

54.700 

E115/00 

- 

- 

3.616.612  
 - 

E245/08 
- 

250.000  

E111/99 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2.234.611  

E246/08 

EN 

81 

EN 

 
  
  
  
  
  
Partly in construction phase 

3.59 

EL1 

BE 

Upgrading of 380 k V grid in Belgium to increase 
import capacity 

4.2 

EL4 

EL, BG 

Philippi (GR) - Maritsa 3 (Bulgaria) line 

Development and upgrade of 
the 380 kV belgian grid on 
the northern border Belgium-
Netherlands within Antwerp 
Region (BRABO) (2 phases) 
- 

400 + 
1600 

38 

120 

na 

na  

10 +30,3 

2012  
(1st 
phase) 
2016 (2nd 
phase) 
2012-
2015 

na 

na 

- 

- 

- 

- 

450.000  
150.000 

E060/96 
E079/98 

EN 

82 

EN 

 
  
Table A6: Priority projects in the gas sector finalised and under construction 

Project specification 

Sub-section/ routing/ more 
specific title 

Addi-
tional 
capacity 
(Bcm/y) 

Length 
(km) 

Esti- 
mated 
total cost 
(M€) 

(Indica-
tive) In 
operation 
date 

EIB loan 
(M€) 

EEPR 
max 
contri-
bution 
(M€) 

TEN-E 
grant(s) 
allocated 
(€) 

Application 
for TEN-E 
grant (ref.) 

-
n
i

s
e
i
r
t
n
u
o
C

d
e
v
l
o
v

x
e
n
n
A

.
f
e
R

6
0
0
2

I
I
I

)
6
0
0
2
(

s
i
x
A

Finalised 

7.10 

7.22 

NG1 

NG1 

AT 

DK 

7.27 

NG1 

BE 

9.19 

NG1 

DE, CZ, 
PL 

7.4 
9.6 

9.7 

9.8 
9.9 

9.22 

NG2 
NG2 

NG2 

NG2 
NG2 

NG3 

FR, ES 
DZ, ES, 
FR 

DZ, 
MA, ES 
ES 
ES 

Bad Leonfelden (AT) – Linz (AT) pipeline 

Connection between offshore facilities in the 
North Sea, or from Danish offshore to United 
Kingdom onshore facilities 
Upgrading of capacity along the north-west axis: 
Zelzate (BE) - Zeebrugge (BE) 
Increasing transport capacity of the STEGAL gas 
pipeline for transport of additional gas from the 
Czech-German border and from the Polish-
German border through Germany to other 
Member States 
Lussagnet (FR) - Bilbao (ES) pipeline 
New gas pipelines from Algeria to Spain and 
France and related capacity increase of the 
internal networks in these countries 
Increasing transport capacity of the Algeria - 
Morocco - Spain (up to Córdoba) pipeline 
Córdoba (ES) - Ciudad Real (ES) pipeline 
Ciudad Real (ES) - Madrid (ES) pipeline 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na  
na 

na 

na  
na  

295 

23 

na 

82,6 

190 

25 
na 

na 

na 
na 

2005 

2004 

2009 

2006 

2005 
2002 

2004 

na 
na 

82,2 (EL) 

2007 

- 

- 

- 

- 

na 

na 

10 

na 

- 
Network in Andalucia 

0,5-3 
na  

na  

na  
na  

11 

- 

- 
- 

Interconnector Turkey-
Greece-Italy (ITGI) 
Branch Greece-Turkey 
- 

- 
Storage at Stenlille 

- 

na  

na  

- 

na  

na 
na  

na 

na 
na  

na 

na 

na 
na 

na 

na 

-  

- 

- 

- 

- 
-  

- 

- 
-  

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

-  

-  

- 

-  

- 

- 

- 

- 

911.350 
-  

G061/00 
- 

-  

-  
-  

- 

- 
- 

4.330.000 

G082/02 

318.000 
4.950.000 
-  
1.712.000 
2.546.000 
2.912.000 

G016/96 
G030/97 
- 
G018/96 
G036/98 
G029/97 

741.000 

G047/99 

EL, TR 

Greece-Italy interconnection pipeline 

8.20 

NG5 

IE 

8.28 
8.30 

NG5 
NG5 

PT 
DK 

8.32 

NG5 

AT 

8.34 

NG5 

AT 

Developping underground gas storage facilities in 
Ireland 
Storage in Carriço (PT), new site 
Storage at Stenlille (DK) and Lille Torup (DK), 
extending existing site 
Storage at Puchkirchen (AT), extending existing 
site, including pipeline to the Penta West system 
near Andorf (AT) 
Storage at Haidach (AT), new site, including 
pipeline to the European gas grid 

0,25 

25 

1,4 
na 

1,1 

- 
- 

na 

na 

110 
na 

na 

2002 

2009 
na 

2007 
(phase I) 

Storage at Haidach (stage I) 

1,2 

- 

390 

2007 

EN 

83 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.1 

6.1 

6.7 

6.8 

7.1 

7.2 

7.6 

8.26 

9.28 

9.29 
9.36 

IE, UK 

IE, UK 

EL 

EL 

IE, UK 

IE, UK 

PT, ES 

ES 

DE 

Developing gas network from Belfast towards the 
north-west region of Northern Ireland (UK) and, if 
appropriate, to the western coast of Ireland 

- 

Developing gas network from Belfast towards the 
north-west region of Northern Ireland (UK) and, if 
appropriate, to the western coast of Ireland 
High pressure branch to Thrace (EL) 

High pressure branch to Corinth (EL) 

Additional gas interconnection pipeline between 
Ireland and Scotland 
North-South interconnection, including Dublin-
Belfast pipeline 

Increasing transport capacity of gas pipelines 
supplying Portugal through South Spain and 
Galicia and Asturias through Portugal 
Storage on the North-South axis of Spain (new 
sites) in Cantabria, Aragon, Castilla y Leon, 
Castilla - La Mancha and Andalucia 
Increasing transport capacity of the TENP gas 
pipeline running from the Netherlands through 
Germany to Italy 
Taisnieres (FR) - Oltingue (CH) gas pipeline 

FR, CH 
NO, UK  Gas pipeline from Norway to United Kingdom 

1,7 

na 

86 

2004 

na  

na 

na  

383 

2002 

na  

Pipeline to the western coast 
of Ireland 

Extension of gas network to 
Komotini 
- 

- 

na  

na 

na  

na 

na 

na 

Gormanstown, Dublin in 
Republic of Ireland to Antrim 
in Northern Ireland 
- 

1,46 

156 

na 

na 

Serrablo (Aragon) 

1,1 

- 

54 

23 

292 

108 

na 

na 

2000 

2007 

2002 

2006 

na 

na 

Pipeline extension and 
repowering of compression 
units 
- 
Nyhamna (NO) - 
Sleipner(NO) - Easington 
(UK)  

na 

na 
25 

na 

348 

2005 

na  
1200 

na 
2,3 

na 
2007 

na 

na 

- 

- 

na 

na 

na 

na 
na 

Construction phase 

7.17 

NG1 

DE, NL, 
UK 

Interconnecting pipelines between United 
Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany, linking 
the main sources and markets of North West 
Europe 

7.17 

NG1 

7.17 

NG1 

DE, NL, 
UK 

DE, NL, 
UK 

Interconnecting pipelines between United 
Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany, linking 
the main sources and markets of North West 
Europe 
Interconnecting pipelines between United 
Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany, linking 
the main sources and markets of North West 
Europe 

Eemstunnel Rysum-
Midwolda (part of North-
South project Rysum/Oude 
Statenzijl - Zelzate/‘s-
Gravenvoeren, NL) 
LNG West: Connection LNG 
terminal GATE towards CS 
Wijngaarden 

Open Season 2012: Pipeline 
Ommen- Ravenstein towards 
Belgium border 

400 

1156 

2010 

500 

Entry = 
31,8 
Exit = 
12,5 

12 

80 

191 

na 

na 

20 

180 

550 

2012 

na 

- 

-  

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-  
- 

- 

- 

- 

-  

-  

- 

- 

770.000 

G006/95 

770.000 

G006/95 

150.000 

G001/95 

250.000 
575.000 

G033/98 
G050/99 

- 

- 

-  

-  
-  

- 

- 

- 

- 
-  

2.819.004 

1.587.056 

G157/08 
(NL) 
G163/09 
(DE) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

EN 

84 

EN 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
7.18 

NG1 

DE, PL 

7.26 

9.13 

NG1 

NG2 

8.22 

NG5 

BE 

ES, DZ, 
FR 
FR 

8.26 

NG5 

ES 

8.26 

NG5 

ES 

8.27 

NG5 

ES 

8.29 

NG5 

BE 

8.34 

NG5 

AT 

8.35 

NG5 

IT 

8.36 

NG5 

PL 

8.37 

NG5 

PL 

3 

160 

260 

2013 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Connections between north-east Germany (Berlin 
area) and north-west Poland (Szczecin area) with 
a branch from Schmölln to Lubmin (DE, 
Greifswald area) 
Zeebrugge (BE) - Eynatten (BE) capacity upgrade  Opwijk – Raeren 

- 

Algeria - Spain submarine pipeline and pipelines 
for the connection to France 
Storage at Lussagnet (FR), extending existing site 

Storage on the North-South axis of Spain (new 
sites) in Cantabria, Aragon, Castilla y Leon, 
Castilla - La Mancha and Andalucia 
Storage on the North-South axis of Spain (new 
sites) in Cantabria, Aragon, Castilla y Leon, 
Castilla - La Mancha and Andalucia 
Storage on the Mediterranean axis of Spain (new 
sites) in Catalonia, Valencia and Murcia 
Storage at Loenhout (BE), extending existing site 

Storage at Haidach (AT), new site, including 
pipeline to the European gas grid 
Developing underground gas storage facilities in 
Italy 
Storage at Wierzchowice, extending existing side 
(PL) 
Storage at Kosakowo (PL), developing 
underground storage 

MEDGAS gas pipeline 

10 

8 

170 

208 

345,5 

630- 800 

Aquifer type 

2,4->3,5 

Yela (Castilla-La-Mancha) 

1 

Marismas (Andalucia) 

Castor (Valencia) 

- 

0,9 

1,3 

na 

Storage at Haidach (stage II) 

1,2 

Cotignola - San Potito 

0,9 

0,625 

0,25 

- 

- 

- 

- 

na 

- 

- 

- 

- 

4,5 

na 

na 

na 

125 

250 

na 

584 

190 

- 

- 

- 

2011 

2010 

2010-
2012 
2011 

2013 

2012 

2010-
2011 
2011 

2012 

110 

500 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

2011-
2012 
2013 
(phase 1) 

Pending 

Pending 

35 

1.184.500 

G137/07 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2.000.000  
2.000.000  
1.500.000 

G115/04 
G134/07 
G080/02 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

3.391.000 

G035/98 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

980.000 

G034/98 

7.13 

EL 

Compression station on the main pipeline in 
Greece 

na 

na 

34 

2011 

na 

EN 

85 

EN 

 
  
  
Table A7: Cross-border projects in the electricity sector finalised and under construction 

x
e
n
n
A

.
f
e
R

6
0
0
2

I
I
I

)
6
0
0
2
(

s
i
x
A

s
e
i
r
t
n
u
o
C

d
e
v
l
o
v
n
i

Finalised 

Project specification 

Sub-section/ routing/ more 
specific title 

Addi-
tional 
capacity 
(MVA) 

Length 
(km) 

Esti- 
mated 
total cost 
(M€) 

(Indica-
tive) In 
operation 
date 

EIB loan 
(M€) 

EEPR 
max 
contri-
bution 
(M€) 

TEN-E 
grant(s) 
allocated 
(€) 

Application 
for TEN-E 
grant (ref.) 

2.2 

2.5 

2.7 

4.1 

EL1 

BE, FR 

Avelin (FR) - Avelgem (BE) line 

EL1 

DE, FR 

Vigy (FR) - Uchtelfangen (DE) line 

- 

- 

1000-
1500 
na 

EL2 

FR, IT 

EL2 

IT, CH 

Further increase of capacity through existing 
interconnection between France and Italy 
New interconnection Italy - Switzerland  

Phase shifter in Rondissone 

na 

2.11 

EL3 

ES, PT 

2.12 

EL3 

ES, PT 

Connections between northern Portugal and north-
western Spain 
Sines (PT) - Alqueva (PT) - Balboa (ES) line 

2.9 

2.9 

2.9 

EL3 

ES, FR 

EL3 

FR, ES  

EL3 

ES, FR 

New trans-Pyrenean interconnection between 
France and Spain 
New trans-Pyrenean interconnection between 
France and Spain 
New trans-Pyrenean interconnection between 
France and Spain 

2.9 

EL3 

ES, FR 

New trans-Pyrenean interconnection between 
France and Spain 

4.3 

EL4 

EL, 
FYROM 

Meliti* (EL) - Bitola (Former Yugoslav Republic 
Of Macedonia) line  

San Fiorano (IT) - Robbia 
(CH) line 
Cartelle-Lindoso II 

- 

Hernani-Argia (upgrade) 

Cantegrit-Mougerre (220kv)-
(Arkale) 
Installation of a 225 kV 
phase displacement 
transformer at the Pragneres 
substation (FR) 
Pirineo connection substation 
electricity line; Restructuring 
of the network around Baixas 

 *The project has substituted 
the initially scheduled OHL 
Amyntaio – Bitola 

4.7 

4.7 

4.8 

EL4 

HR, BH 

Ernestinovo (Croatia) substation and connecting 
lines 

Ernestinovo - Ugljevik 

EL4 

HR, FRY  Ernestinovo (Croatia) substation and connecting 

Ernestinovo - Mladost 

EL4 

EL, AL, 
BG, 
FYROM 

lines 
New connections between Greece and Albania, 
Bulgaria and the Former Yugoslav Republic of 
Macedonia 

OHL Stip – C. Mogila 
(FYROM – Bulgaria) 

43 

na 

na 

1400 

196 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

 na 

na 

na 

na 

550 
(FR-ES) 

21,5 

na 

23 

77 

 na 

39 

na 

na 

na 

2005 

2002 

2004 

2005 

2004 

2004 

2002 

2002 

1998 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

1997 

na 

na 

18 

5 (EL) 

2007 

na 

na 

na 

650 

na 

na 

na 

11 

11 

50 

2003 

2003 

2009 

na 

na 

na 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1.005.900 

E191/04 

230.000 

E085/98 

- 

- 

249.000 

E135/01 

- 

- 

125.000 
538.500 
- 

E064/97 
E065/97 
- 

- 

 - 

100.000 

E068/97 

140.000 

E027/95 

125.000 

E059/96 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

EN 

86 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.9 

EL4 

EL, TR 

Philippi (GR) - Hamidabad (TR) line 

2.23 

EL7 

SE, DK 

2.30 

EL7 

EE, FI 

4.14 

EL7 

FI, RU 

Reinforcement of the connections between 
Denmark and Sweden 
Submarine cable to link Finland and Estonia 
(Estlink) 
Southern Finland - Russia link 

4.15 

EL7 

SE, NO 

New connections between North Sweden and North 
Norway 

2.33 
4.12 

EL8 
EL9 

AT, CZ 
ES, MA 

Dürnrohr (AT) - Slavetice (CZ) line 
Submarine cable between South Spain and Morocco 
(strengthening of existing connection) 

 - 

 - 

Estlink 

Kymi-St.Petersburg II 

Reinforcement of the 
existing connection and a 
new transformer was 
installed in Grundfos, 
Sweden 

i.a. Estrecho-Melloussa II 

4.22 

EL9 

GR, IT 

New connections in the Mediterranean Electricity 
Ring: France – Spain – Morocco – Algeria – 
Tunisia – Libya – Egypt – near-eastern Countries – 
Turkey – Greece - Italy 
Eemshaven (NL) - Feda (NO) link  

Ipiros-Puglia 

NorNed cable 

NL, NO 

4.11 

4.29 

HU, RO 

Békéscsaba (HU) - Oradea (RO) 

Construction phase 

2.1 

EL1 

BE, FR 

Moulaine (FR) - Aubange (BE) line 

2.7 

EL2 

FR, IT 

2.8 
2.31 

EL2 
EL2 

FR, IT 
SI 

Further increase of capacity through existing 
interconnection between France and Italy 
New interconnection between France and Italy 
Installation of flexible alternating current 
transmission systems linking Italy and Slovenia 

now Békéscsaba (HU) - 
Nadab(RO) - Arad(HU) as 
due to problems with 
landowners a small part 
between Nadab and Oradea 
could not be constructed 

- 

- 

Piossasco (IT) - Cornier (FR) 
Phase Shift Transformer - 
PST, Divača Substation - 
400 kV, 2x600 MVA 

2x1400 
1x1200 
(EL) 

na 

350 

na 

na 

900 
na 

na 

na 

na 

220 

70 

2008 

na 

na 

105 

na 

na 

96 
31 

na 

na 

na 

35 

110 

300 - 
1000 
na 

2006 

2006 

na 

2004 

9 
69,2 

2008 
2006 

na 

na 

na 

na 

- 
na 

na 

2002 

100 

565 

2007 

18,5 

2008 

na 

na 

400 

15 

11 (FR) 

2010 

600 

200 

102-114 

2012 

600 
2x600 

100 (IT) 
- 

na 
52,8 

2012 
2012 

4 

na 

na 
21,5 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

195.000 
350.000 

E106/99 
E129/00 

- 

- 

670.000 

E095/99 

240.000 

E055/96 

- 

-  

- 
637.500 
1.127.000 

- 

- 
E003/95 
E131/01 

E191/04 

1.500.000 
4.215.000 
3.000.000 
435.000 
1.580.000 

E052/96 
E088/98 
E198/05 
E203/05 
E237/07 

503.450  

E205/05 

588.000  

E183/04 

- 
1.054.400  

- 
E268/09 

EN 

87 

EN 

 
  
  
  
  
Fennoscan subsea cable 
between Finland and Sweden 

800 

300 

300 

2011 

2.13 

EL3 

ES, PT 

Connection between southern Portugal and south-
western Spain 

2.14 

EL3 

ES, PT 

4.8 

EL4 

2.15 

EL7 

EL, AL, 
BG, 
FYROM 
FI, SE 

3.1 

EL7 

DK 

4.13 

EL7 

SE, LT, 
LV 

4.16 

EL7 

SE, NO 

4.22 

EL9 

4.31 

FR, ES, 
MA, DZ, 
TN, LY, 
EG, TR, 
EL, IT 
HU, HR 

Partly in construction phase 

Valdigem (PT) - Douro Internacional (PT) - 
Aldeadavila (ES) line and 'Douro Internacional' 
facilities 
New connections between Greece and Albania, 
Bulgaria and the Former Yugoslav Republic of 
Macedonia 
Connections north of the Gulf of Bothnia and 
Fennoscan submarine cable between Finland and 
Sweden 

Connections on the Danish east-west axis: 
connection between Denmark's western (UCTE) 
and eastern (NORDEL) networks 
Connections for the Baltic Electricity Ring: 
Germany - Poland - Russia - Estonia - Latvia - 
Lithuania - Sweden - Finland - Denmark - Belarus 

New connections between Mid Sweden and Mid 
Norway 
New connections in the Mediterranean Electricity 
Ring: France – Spain – Morocco – Algeria – 
Tunisia – Libya – Egypt – near-eastern Countries – 
Turkey – Greece - Italy 

Pécs (HU) - Ernestinovo (HR) 

4.2 

EL4 

EL, BG 

Philippi (GR) - Maritsa 3 (Bulgaria) line 

Portimão (PT) - Tavira (PT) 
- P. Gusman (ES) - Guillena 
(ES) line and Tavira facilities 
(400 kV South 
interconnection Guillena 
(ES) - Tavira (PT)) 
400 kV Douro 
interconnection Aldeadávila 
(ES) - Lagoaça (PT) 
Zlatitsa-Karlovo-Plovdiv 

Great Belt sea cable from 
Funen to Sealand 

Interconnection Sweden-
Baltic States, and 
strengthening of the grid in 
Baltic states (Nordbalt) 
- 

- 

- 

- 

1860 

301 

90,9 

2011 

na 

50 

- 

- 

3210 

204 

88 

2010 

na 

na 

15 

2010 

600 

26+32 

169 

2010 

700+600 

440+380 

750 

2016 

na 

na 

na 

na 

66 

55 

2010 

2009 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

500 

86,4 

43,6 

2010 

na 

na 

na 

10+30,3  

2012-
2015 
2011 

na 

na  

50 

1.807.650 

E196/05 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

75.000  
75.000  
120.750  
475.000  
- 

E002/95 
E005/95 
E114/00 
E209/06 
- 

175 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

20 

54.700 

E115/00 

- 

- 

2.234.611 

E246/08 

450.000  
150.000  
-  

E060/96 
E079/98 
- 

2.32 

EL8 

AT, HU 

New connections to link the UCTE and CENTREL 
systems 

Wien - Györ 

1100 

120 

30 

EN 

88 

EN 

 
  
  
Table A8: Cross-border projects in the gas sector finalised and under construction 

Project specification 

Sub-section/ routing/ more 
specific title 

Addi-
tional 
capacity 
(Bcm/y) 

Length 
(km) 

Esti- 
mated 
total cost 
(M€) 

(Indica-
tive) In 
operation 
date 

EIB loan 
(M€) 

EEPR 
max 
contri-
bution 
(M€) 

TEN-E 
grant(s) 
allocated 
(€) 

Application 
for TEN-E 
grant (ref.) 

x
e
n
n
A

.
f
e
R

6
0
0
2

I
I
I

)
6
0
0
2
(

s
i
x
A

s
e
i
r
t
n
u
o
C

d
e
v
l
o
v
n
i

Finalised 

7.17 

NG1 

DE,  NL, 
UK 

7.17 

NG1 

DE,  NL, 
UK 

7.17 

NG1 

DE,  NL, 
UK 

7.22 

NG1 

DK 

9.19 

NG1 

DE,  CZ, 
PL 

7.4 
9.34 

NG2 
NG2 

9.6 

NG2 

FR, ES 
DZ,  TN, 
IT 
DZ,  ES, 
FR 

Interconnecting  pipelines 
between  United 
Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany, linking 
the  main  sources  and  markets  of  North  West 
Europe 

Interconnecting  pipelines 
between  United 
Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany, linking 
the  main  sources  and  markets  of  North  West 
Europe 
Interconnecting  pipelines 
between  United 
Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany, linking 
the  main  sources  and  markets  of  North  West 
Europe 
Connection  between  offshore  facilities  in  the 
North  Sea,  or  from  Danish  offshore  to  United 
Kingdom onshore facilities 
Increasing  transport  capacity  of  the  STEGAL 
gas pipeline for transport of additional gas from 
the  Czech-German  border  and  from  the  Polish-
German  border 
to  other 
Member States 
Lussagnet (FR) - Bilbao (ES) pipeline 
Algeria - Tunisia - Italy gas pipeline  

through  Germany 

New  gas  pipelines  from  Algeria  to  Spain  and 
France  and  related  capacity  increase  of  the 
internal networks in these countries 

9.7 

NG2 

9.22 

NG3 

DZ,  MA, 
ES 
EL, TR 

Increasing  transport  capacity  of  the  Algeria  - 
Morocco - Spain (up to Córdoba) pipeline 
Greece-Italy interconnection pipeline 

8.10 

NG4 

EL 

8.12 

NG4 

IT 

LNG  at  Revithoussa  (EL),  extending  existing 
terminal 
LNG offshore in the north Adriatic Sea (IT) 

pipe 

GWWL 
(Grijpskerk-Workum-
Wieringermeer lijn) 

line 

na 

110 

350 

2007 

na 

Bacton 
(NL) 

(UK) 

-  Balgzand 

8 

230 

500 

2006 

na 

Ravenstein - Vinkel (NL-BE) 

na 

na 

na 

2003 

na 

 - 

 - 

na 

na 

 - 
TRANSMED II 

0,5-3 
6,5 

Network in Andalucia 

na 

Interconnector 
Greece-Italy 
Branch Greece-Turkey 
1st extension 

Turkey-
(ITGI)

na 

11 

5,3 

Rovigo 

(Porto 

Levante 

8 

na 

na 

na 
160 

na 

na 

295 

- 

- 

na 

2004 

190 

2006 

25 
200 

na 

2005 
2008 

2002 

na 

2004 

82,2 (EL) 

2007 

50 

1000 

2007 

2009 

na 

na 

na 
500 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

362.825 

G108/04 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

911.350 
- 

G061/00 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

4.330.000 

G082/02 

800.000 

G074/01 

- 

- 

EN 

89 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
8.17 

NG4 

BE 

LNG  at  Zeebrugge  (BE,  second  phase  of 
capacity extension) 

8.18 

NG4 

UK 

LNG at Isle of Grain, Kent (UK) 

8.2 
8.3 

8.4 

8.4 

8.5 
8.6 
8.7 
8.8 

8.9 

NG4 
NG4 

FR 
ES 

NG4 

ES 

NG4 

ES 

NG4 
NG4 
NG4 
NG4 

ES 
ES 
ES 
ES 

NG4 

PT 

(ES),  extending  existing 

LNG at Fos-sur-mer (FR) 
LNG  at  Huelva 
terminal 
LNG  at  Cartagena  (ES),  extending  existing 
terminal 
LNG  at  Cartagena  (ES),  extending  existing 
terminal 
LNG at Galicia (ES), new terminal 
LNG at Bilbao (ES), new terminal 
LNG in the Valencia region (ES), new terminal 
LNG  in  Barcelona  (ES°,  extending  existing 
terminal 
LNG in Sines (PT), new terminal 

9.20 

NG6 

IT, LY 

Gas pipeline from Libyan resources to Italy 

Gas pipeline from Libyan resources to Italy 
Developing  gas  network  from  Belfast  towards 
the  north-west  region  of  Northern  Ireland  (UK) 
and,  if  appropriate,  to  the  western  coast  of 
Ireland 
Developing  gas  network  from  Belfast  towards 
the  north-west  region  of  Northern  Ireland  (UK) 
and,  if  appropriate,  to  the  western  coast  of 
Ireland 
Additional gas interconnection pipeline between 
Ireland and Scotland 
North-South  interconnection,  including  Dublin-
Belfast pipeline 

Increasing  transport  capacity  of  gas  pipelines 
supplying  Portugal  through  South  Spain  and 
Galicia and Asturias through Portugal 
Increasing  transport  capacity  of  the  TENP  gas 
pipeline  running  from  the  Netherlands  through 
Germany to Italy 
Taisnieres (FR) - Oltingue (CH) gas pipeline 

9.20 
6.1 

NG6 

IT, LY 
IE, UK 

IE, UK 

IE, UK 

IE, UK 

PT, ES 

DE 

FR, CH 

6.1 

7.1 

7.2 

7.6 

9.28 

9.29 

EN 

4,5 -> 9 

- 

na 

4/2008 

na 

 - 

terminal 

offshore) 
LNG 
Zeebrugge/Dudzele 
extension, 
the 
doubling of the regasification 
capacity and a fourth tank 
2nd phase of implementation 

Including 

Extension (Fos-Tonkin) 
LNG Huelva II 

13,5 

7 
11,8 

LNG terminal Cartagena I 

na 

LNG terminal Cartagena II 

10,5 

Mugardos 

Sagunto 
 - 

Algeria, 

sources= 

Gas 
Nigeria 
Greenstream (Mellitah (LY) - 
Gela (IT)) 
Extension of capacity 
 - 

3,6 
7 
8-9 
na 

5,5 

8 

3 
1,7 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

190  (total 
£ 1Bn) 
400 
72 

na 

79 

416 
280 
340 
72 

na 

520 

1400 

na 
na 

na 
86 

2008 

2007 
2009 

2002 

2008 

2008 
2003 
2009 
2005 

2004 

2004 

na 
2004 

na 

na 
na 

na 

na 

na  
na 
225 
na 

na 

na 

na 
na 

Pipeline  to  the  western  coast 
of Ireland 

 na 

na 

383 

2002 

na 

 - 

Gormanstown,  Dublin 
in 
Republic of Ireland to Antrim 
in Northern Ireland 
 - 

extension 

Pipeline 
and 
repowering  of  compression 
units 
 - 

 na 

na 

1,46 

156 

292 

108 

2002 

2006 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

na 

348 

2005 

na 

na 

- 

- 

na 

na 

na 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

934.500 

G049/99 

- 

 - 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

150.000 

G001/95 

250.000 
575.000 

G033/98 
G050/99 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

90 

EN 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
9.36 

NO, UK 

Gas pipeline from Norway to United Kingdom 

Nyhamna  (NO)  –  Sleipner 
(NO) - Easington (UK)  

25 

1200 

2,3 

2007 

na 

- 

- 

- 

Construction phase 

7.17 

NG1 

DE,  NL, 
UK 

7.18 

NG1 

DE, PL 

9.3 

NG1 

RU, DE 

9.13 

NG2 

ES,  DZ, 
FR 

8.13 

NG4 

8.15 

NG4 

IT 

IT 

Interconnecting  pipelines 
between  United 
Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany, linking 
the  main  sources  and  markets  of  North  West 
Europe 

Connections  between  north-east  Germany 
(Berlin  area)  and  north-west  Poland  (Szczecin 
area)  with  a  branch  from  Schmölln  to  Lubmin 
(DE, Greifswald area) 
North European gas pipeline: Russia, Baltic Sea, 
Germany 
Algeria - Spain submarine pipeline and pipelines 
for the connection to France 

Eemstunnel 
Rysum-
Midwolda  (part  of  North-
South  project  Rysum/Oude 
Zelzate/‘s-
- 
Statenzijl 
Gravenvoeren, NL) 
 - 

Onshore section in Russia 

MEDGAS gas pipeline 

LNG on the south Adriatic coast (IT) 

Brindisi 

LNG on the Tyrrhenian coast (IT) 

8.18 

NG4 

UK 

LNG at Isle of Grain, Kent (UK) 

terminal  at  Livorno 

LNG 
(Toscana offshore) 
3rd phase of implementation 

400 

1156 

2010 

500 

Entry  = 
31,8 
Exit  = 
12,5 

3 

160 

260 

2013 

0 

na 

8 

7,6+ 
16 

3,75 

20,5 

917 

208 

- 

- 

- 

na 

na 

630-800 

2010 

500 

250 

190  (total 
£ 1Bn) 

2010 

2010 

2010 

na 

500 

na 

na 

 na 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-  

2.819.004 

1.587.056 

G157/08 
(NL) 
G163/09 
(DE) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2.000.000  
2.000.000 

G115/04 
G134/07 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

EN 

91 

EN 

 
  
  
 
 
Table A9: State of implementation of LNG projects as listed in the Annex III of the TEN-E Guidelines 

-
n
i

s
e
i
r
t
n
u
o
C

d
e
v
l
o
v

x
e
n
n
A

.
f
e
R

6
0
0
2

I
I
I

)
6
0
0
2
(

s
i
x
A

Finalised 

Project specification 

Sub-section/ routing/ more 
specific title 

Addi-
tional 
capacity 
(MVA; 
Bcm/y) 

Length 
(km) 

Esti- 
mated 
total cost 
(M€) 

(Indica-
tive) In 
operation 
date 

EIB loan 
(M€) 

EEPR 
max 
contri-
bution 
(M€) 

TEN-E 
grant(s) 
allocated 
(€) 

Application 
for TEN-E 
grant (ref.) 

8.10 

NG4 

EL 

LNG at Revithoussa (EL), extending existing 
terminal 

1st extension 

8.12 

NG4 

IT 

LNG offshore in the north Adriatic Sea (IT) 

8.17 

NG4 

BE 

LNG at Zeebrugge (BE, second phase of capacity 
extension) 

Rovigo (Porto Levante 
offshore) 
LNG terminal 
Zeebrugge/Dudzele 
extension, Including the 
doubling of the regasification 
capacity and a fourth tank 

5,8 

8 

4,5 -> 9 

- 

- 

- 

50 

1000 

na 

2007 

2009 

2008 

na 

na 

na 

8.18 

NG4 

UK 

LNG at Isle of Grain, Kent (UK) 

2nd phase of implementation 

13,5 

- 

8.2 
8.3 

8.4 

8.4 

8.5 
8.6 
8.7 
8.8 

8.9 

NG4 
NG4 

NG4 

FR 
ES 

ES 

NG4 

ES 

NG4 
NG4 
NG4 
NG4 

ES 
ES 
ES 
ES 

NG4 

PT 

LNG at Fos-sur-mer (FR) 
LNG at Huelva (ES), extending existing terminal 

Extension (Fos-Tonkin) 
LNG Huelva II 

7 
11,8 

LNG at Cartagena (ES), extending existing 
terminal 

LNG at Cartagena (ES), extending existing 
terminal 
LNG at Galicia (ES), new terminal 
LNG at Bilbao (ES), new terminal 
LNG in the Valencia region (ES), new terminal 
LNG in Barcelona (ES), extending existing 
terminal 
LNG in Sines (PT), new terminal 

LNG terminal Cartagena I 

na 

LNG terminal Cartagena II 

11,8 

Mugardos 

Sagunto 

3,6 
7 
8-9 
17 

5,5 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

2005 

na 

190 (total 
investment 
for 3 
phases is € 
1,1 Bn) 

400 
72 

na 

79 

416 
280 
340 
72 

na 

2007 
2009 

2002 

2008 

2007 
2003 
2009 
2009 

2004 

na 
na 

na 

na  

na  
na 
225 
na  

na 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

800.000 

G074/01 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

-  

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

934.500 

G049/99 

EN 

92 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
Construction phase 

8.13 

NG4 

IT 

LNG on the south Adriatic coast (IT) 

Brindisi 

8.15 

NG4 

IT 

LNG on the Tyrrhenian coast (IT) 

8.18 
8.2 

NG4 
NG4 

UK 
FR 

LNG at Isle of Grain, Kent (UK) 
LNG at Fos-sur-mer (FR) 

LNG terminal at Livorno 
(Toscana offshore) 
3rd phase of implementation 
LNG Fos-Cavaou 

Authorisation phase 

- 

6.2 

6.3 
8.11 

8.13 

NG4 

NG4 

NG4 
NG4 

NG4 

PL 

ES 

ES 
IT 

IT 

LNG terminal in Poland 

Swinoujscie 

LNG terminal in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary 
Island (ES) 
LNG in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ES) 
LNG on the north Adriatic coast (IT) 

LNG offshore in the north Adriatic Sea (IT) 

8.14 

NG4 

IT 

LNG on the Ionian Coast (IT) 

8+4 

2,7 

700-800+ 
200 

500 

2010 

na  

250 

na 
600 

869 

na 

152 
600 

158 

600 
na 

924 

650 
na 

60 

na 

2010 

2010 
2010 

2014 

2013 

2013 
2013 

03/2012 

12/2015 

na 
na 

12/2014 

2015 
2014 

na 

2011 

na 

na  
na  

- 

na 

na 
na 

na 

na 

na 
na 

na 

na 
na 

na 

na 

670 

2014 

na 

- 

- 

- 
- 

55 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

800.000  

G109/04 

- 
- 

- 
-  

618.657  

G164/09 

500.000  

G147/08 

- 
- 

- 
- 

1.610.000  

G143/07 

1.372.000  
- 

G076/02 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

8 (phase 
1) 
16 
(phase 
2) 
3,75 

20,5 
8,25 

5 

1,3 

1,3 
8 

4 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

19,5 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

8 
8 

12 

8 
4,5 

14,5 

12,3 

0,7-1,5 
(gradual 
increase 
until 
2035) 

Tenerife (Arico-Granadilla) 

Gran Canaria (Arinaga) 
Trieste zaule 

Falconara Marritima (Marche 
region) 
Priolo (Siracusa) (Sicily 
Region) 

Taranto 
Rada di Augusta, Siracusa 

Gioia Tauro / San Ferdinando 
Rosarno (Calabria) (LNG 
Medgas) 
LNG terminal at Rosignano 
Panigaglia LNG terminal 
(Portovenere) 
LNG terminal Cartagena III, 
extending existing terminal 
Extension (2 additional 
tanks) 

IT 
IT 

IT 

IT 
IT 

LNG on the Ionian Coast (IT) 
LNG on the Ionian Coast (IT) 

LNG on the Tyrrhenian coast (IT) 

LNG on the Tyrrhenian coast (IT) 
LNG on the Ligurian Coast (IT) 

8.14 
8.14 

NG4 
NG4 

8.15 

NG4 

NG4 
NG4 

8.15 
8.16 

8.4 

8.6 

NG4 

ES 

NG4 

ES 

LNG at Cartagena (ES), extending existing 
terminal 
LNG at Bilbao (ES), new terminal 

Study phase 

6.11 

NG4 

CY 

LNG in the island of Cyprus, Vasilikos Energy 
Center 

EN 

93 

EN 

 
  
  
  
6.13 

NG4 

EL 

LNG in the island of Crete (EL) 

6.4 
8.1 

NG4 
NG4 

PT 
FR 

8.10 

NG4 

EL 

LNG in Madeira (PT) 
LNG at Le Verdon-sur-mer (FR, new terminal) 
and pipeline to Lussagnet (FR) storage 
LNG at Revithoussa (EL), extending existing 
terminal 

8.11 
8.17 

NG4 
NG4 

IT 
BE 

LNG offshore in the north Adriatic Sea (IT) 
LNG at Zeebrugge (BE, second phase of capacity 
extension) 

- 

na 
na 

na 

8 
na 

2nd extension (3rd tank - 
current capacity 5,3 Bcm/y 
since 2000) 

Trieste offshore 
Current capacity = 9 Bcm/y 

8.2 

NG4 

FR 

LNG at Fos-sur-Mer (FR) 

Fos Foster LNG Terminal 

6-9 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

80 
400 

na 

2016 

2014 
2013 

na 

580 
1000 

na 
12/2016 

na 

2013 

na 

- 
na 

na 

na 
na 

na 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

970.000  

G017/96 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
1.610.350  

- 
G160/09 

- 

- 

EN 

94 

EN 

 
  
  
  
  
Figure A1:  Progress of electricity projects of European interest – EL1, EL5 and EL6 

EN 

95 

   EN 

 
 
Figure A2:  Progress of electricity projects of European interest – EL3 and EL9 

EN 

96 

   EN 

 
Figure A3:  Progress of electricity projects of European interest – EL2, EL4 and EL8 
(partly) 

EN 

97 

   EN 

 
Figure A4:  Progress  of  electricity  projects  of  European  interest  –  EL7  and  EL8 
(partly) 

EN 

98 

   EN 

 
Figure A5:  Progress of gas projects of European interest – NG1 

EN 

99 

   EN 

 
Figure A6:  Progress of gas projects of European interest – NG2 and NG6 

EN 

100 

   EN 

 
Figure A7: 

Progress of gas projects of European interest – NG3 

EN 

101 

   EN