The European Commission on December 14 proposed changes in the so-called “TEN-E” rules to limit funding in natural gas projects and redirect cash into low-carbon technologies to fulfill climate targets. The regulations define which cross-border energy projects can receive fast-tracked permits and EU funding. Under the proposed amendment, dedicated oil and gas infrastructure are excluded from the rules. The proposal will require approval from the European Parliament and EU countries.
In the amended rules, low-carbon technologies will be more eligible to receive the fund. These include hydrogen pipelines, offshore gas grids, and gas networks that integrate low-carbon gasses. Eligible projects will still face mandatory sustainability assessments. The existing “TEN-E” rules have been criticized for including support to pipelines that carry hydrogen produced from natural gas.
