European Union cross-border solar tender has entered a new phase as the European Commission launches its third funding round. The initiative will provide about €54.9 million ($63.8 million) to support solar energy projects across Europe. The funding targets new photovoltaic installations in Bulgaria and Finland through cross-border cooperation between EU member states. Moreover, the scheme aims to accelerate renewable energy deployment while strengthening energy security and climate action across the European Union.

The funding program operates under the EU Renewable Energy Financing Mechanism (RENEWFM). It enables member states to jointly finance renewable projects located in other EU countries. Consequently, the mechanism improves cost efficiency and promotes regional cooperation in achieving climate targets.

The Tender Targets Bulgaria and Finland

The latest EU cross-border solar tender focuses on ground-mounted solar photovoltaic projects in Bulgaria and Finland. Bulgaria will host solar facilities paired with battery energy storage systems. Meanwhile, Finland will host ground-mounted solar projects across most regions except Åland.

Luxembourg participates as the contributing country that finances the tender. In contrast, Bulgaria and Finland serve as host countries where the renewable infrastructure will be constructed. This arrangement allows EU states to collaborate on energy development even when projects are built outside their borders.

Additionally, the program encourages strategic investment in areas with stronger renewable resources. As a result, the EU expects improved energy efficiency and faster expansion of solar generation capacity across member states.

Funding and Capacity Rules

The funding pool totals €54.9 million (about $63.8 million) and will be distributed as investment grants through a competitive tender process. Project developers must submit proposals before September 1, 2026, while grant agreements are expected by June 2027.

Each proposed project must have a capacity between 10 MW and 100 MW. Moreover, the solar and storage components in Bulgarian projects must connect to the same grid access point. These conditions ensure operational efficiency and improved grid stability.

Finland’s participation includes a 400 MW cap on supported capacity, whereas Bulgaria has no upper limit for eligible projects. Nevertheless, developers must comply with national grid requirements and renewable integration standards.

Furthermore, all selected projects must begin commercial operations by March 1, 2029. This timeline ensures the installations contribute to the EU’s medium-term energy transition goals.

European Union Cross-Border Solar Tender Builds on Earlier Rounds

The third EU cross-border solar tender builds on earlier funding rounds launched through the same mechanism. The first round began in 2023 and supported seven solar projects in Finland. These projects received €27.5 million in grants and added more than 212 MW of solar capacity.

Subsequently, the second round launched in 2024 expanded the program. That call financed both solar and onshore wind projects in Finland and Estonia. In total, nine projects received €52 million in funding, further boosting renewable generation capacity in northern Europe.

These earlier results demonstrate the mechanism’s ability to mobilize cross-border investment. They also highlight how the EU coordinates financing among member states to accelerate renewable infrastructure development.

Europe continues to accelerate large-scale renewable energy development as governments push toward decarbonization targets. Earlier projects such as the Witznitz Solar Farm in Germany, one of the largest solar installations in Europe with about 605 MW of capacity, demonstrate the scale of photovoltaic infrastructure emerging across the region. These large utility-scale projects highlight the same clean-energy momentum that the new EU cross-border solar tender aims to expand across member states.

Information Day and Tender Administration

The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) manages the tender process. The agency oversees application evaluation, grant disbursement rules, and project monitoring.

To assist developers, CINEA will host a virtual information day on April 17, 2026. The event will present detailed eligibility requirements, ranking criteria, and funding procedures. Developers can also raise questions during a dedicated session.

Through this transparent process, the European Commission seeks to attract competitive bids. Ultimately, the lowest-cost solar projects with strong technical proposals will rank highest in the selection process.

Project Fact Sheet: European Union cross-border solar tender

Project name: European Union Third Cross-Border Solar Tender (RENEWFM Round 3)

Type of project: Cross-border renewable energy financing program

Sector: Solar photovoltaic and solar-plus-storage power generation

Estimated investment support: €54.9 million ($63.8 million)

Program framework: EU Renewable Energy Financing Mechanism (RENEWFM)

Announcement date: March 3–4, 2026

Application deadline: September 1, 2026

Grant agreement signing: Expected June 2027

Commercial operation deadline: March 1, 2029

Host countries: Bulgaria and Finland

Contributing country: Luxembourg

Eligible project type in Bulgaria:

• Ground-mounted solar PV plants co-located with battery energy storage systems

Eligible project type in Finland:

• Ground-mounted solar photovoltaic plants

Capacity requirements:

• Minimum capacity per project: 10 MW
• Maximum capacity per project: 100 MW

Capacity cap:

• Finland support capped at 400 MW
• No specific upper limit in Bulgaria

Eligible regions in Bulgaria:

• Pernik district
• Kyustendil district
• Stara Zagora district

Eligible regions in Finland:

• Nationwide except Åland

Funding mechanism:

• Competitive tender with investment grants

European Union cross-border solar tender: Project Team

Project sponsor: European Commission

Funding contributor: Government of Luxembourg

Program framework administrator: European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA)

Host country authorities:

• Government of Finland – national energy and infrastructure authorities
• Government of Bulgaria – national renewable energy regulators and grid operators

Implementation stakeholders:

• Solar project developers participating in the tender
• Battery energy storage system developers (for Bulgarian projects)
• Transmission system operators and grid integration authorities
• Renewable energy investors and infrastructure funds

Supporting institutions:

• EU Renewable Energy Financing Mechanism governance bodies
• European energy policy and climate transition institutions