Projects of common interest

Projects of Common Interest (PCI) are a category of projects identified by the European Commission as a key priority for connecting the infrastructure of the European Union's energy system. PCIs aim to achieve the EU's energy and climate policy objectives of affordable, secure and sustainable energy for all its citizens and a decarbonised economy by 2050 in line with the Paris Agreement.
The PCI must have a significant impact on energy markets and market integration in at least two EU countries. It must also promote competition in energy markets and contribute to the EU's energy security by diversifying sources and contributing to reducing climate change and increasing the use of renewable energy sources.
These projects are eligible for public funding. The list of projects of common interest is updated every two years.

More about PCI on the website of the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Energy of the Republic of Slovenia.

Explanation regarding implementation of Article 17, point 4 of Regulation (EC) No 869/2022

In accordance with Article 17, point 4 Regulation (EC) No 869/2022, each national regulatory authority must publish its methodology and the criteria used to evaluate investments in electricity and gas infrastructure projects and the higher risks incurred by them. In this respect, the Energy Agency sent the European Commission the following explanation.

Decision on cross-border cost allocation for the construction of the gas pipeline link between Slovenia and Hungary

The Agency has received an investment request from the natural gas transmission system operator, Plinovodi, including a request for cross-border cost allocation in relation to the construction of a gas pipeline link between Hungary and Slovenia, which constitutes PCI project No 6.23 Interconnection between Hungary and Slovenia and the establishment of a gas pipeline corridor between Hungary and Italy through the Slovenian natural gas transmission system.

The Agency, in cooperation with the Hungarian national regulatory authority (MEKH), has adopted a joint statement on cross-border cost allocation. The two regulators jointly concluded that there are no grounds for cross-border cost allocation, as the project represents a net positive benefits for Slovenia and Hungary only. No net cost bearers were identified in the procedure that would be eligible for financial compensation and therefore the Agency and MEKH decided that both project proponents (Slovenian TSO Plinovodi d.o.o. and Hungarian TSO FGSZ Ltd.) should bear the costs of the construction of the gas pipeline link each on its own territory.

Decision on cross-border cost allocation for the construction of a gas pipeline link between Croatia and Slovenia

The Agency has received an investment request from the natural gas transmission system operator Plinovodi, including a request for cross-border cost allocation in relation to the upgrade of the gas pipeline link between Croatia and Slovenia, which constitutes PCI project No 6.26.1 Croatia-Slovenia Coupling at Rogatec.

The Agency, in cooperation with the Croatian national regulatory authority (HERA), has adopted a joint statement on cross-border cost allocation. The two regulators jointly concluded that the net benefits of the project for Croatia and Slovenia as host countries are higher than the costs of the project in both countries. Therefore, it was mutually agreed that Croatia and Slovenia would not request cross-border cost allocation of the project. For the planned development of the project with a capacity of 5.5 billion cubic metres per year, the Croatian transmission system operator Plinacro, d.o.o. will bear the costs arising from the development of the project on the territory of Croatia, while the Slovenian transmission system operator Plinovodi, d.o.o. will bear the costs arising from the development of the project on the territory of Slovenia.